High Commissioner Anil Sooklal cleared by DIRCO, returns to India
Sources say DIRCO has cleared Anil Sooklal, who has returned to his post in India following the Jacob Zuma-Gupta controversy.
Anil Sooklal, South Africa's High Commissioner to India, has returned to his position following a meeting with senior officials from the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO). This comes after questions arose over his presence at an event during former president Jacob Zuma's visit to India in June. Initially, DIRCO issued a statement and sought clarification from Sooklal regarding the event.
However, sources confirm that Sooklal has been cleared and is now performing his duties in India. Zuma's trip to India, along with five members of the South African Police Service and other aides, was a planned visit authorized and covered by the Presidency. The visit included a private dinner and a visit to a temple in Haridwar, India.
DIRCO requested a mission report detailing the trip following the controversy over Zuma's presence at the event, which involved businessman Anil Gupta. Sooklal received Zuma at the protocol lounge in Mumbai on June 25 and attended a private prayer ceremony at the Swami's ashram on the banks of the Ganges River. Zuma and Sooklal were both announced as chief guests at the event, while Gupta was also listed as a chief guest.
Sooklal attended the program but did not interact with Gupta. DIRCO emphasized that the assistance provided during the visit formed part of their established protocol and official support for former presidents.
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