This article covers scholarships and education links between India and Eswatini, cultural exchanges, sport, outreach by the High Commission of India in Mbabane, and the Indian community in Eswatini. It is based on the MEA bilateral brief of April 2026.

Scholarships and education

According to the MEA brief of April 2026, 40 ICCR slots under the ICCR Africa Scholarship Scheme have been allocated to Eswatini students since academic year 2026-27.

As many as 11 students and one coordinator from Eswatini took part in the India-UNESCO-Africa Hackathon, held on 22-25 November 2022. Eswatini's Minister of Education, Lady Howard Mabuza, visited India for its valedictory ceremony.

India has also supported learning in Eswatini schools. Under an MoU to strengthen bilateral cooperation in computer-aided education of children at elementary level, three Hole-in-Wall Learning Stations were established. A total of 200 solar lamps provided by IIT Mumbai, for assembly and distribution by school children in Eswatini, were delivered to school children from Sithobela on 27 February 2020.

India Corners

The High Commission of India in Mbabane has set up India Corners at the National Libraries of Eswatini in Mbabane and Manzini. They are equipped with computer hardware, internet connectivity, digital content and books received from the Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, including a set of "Bharat Ek Parichay" each.

The High Commission has also set up mini India Corners by donating books to the libraries of:

  • the University of Eswatini in Kwaluseni
  • Sifundzani High School in Mbabane
  • Good Shepherd College of Health Sciences
  • Purity High School in Siteki
  • Woodlands High School in Mbabane
  • Matsanjeni Community High School, Lavumisa
  • Waterford Kamhlaba High School

Cultural exchanges

A 20-member Eswatini delegation of artisans, a cultural troupe and potential buyers takes part in the Surajkund Mela every year. An 8-member Eswatini team took part in the International Tribal Dance Festival held at Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on 28-30 October 2021.

A 12-member Manipuri Dance Group from the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Imphal, visited the Kingdom of Eswatini under the aegis of ICCR from 29 August to 02 September 2022. It gave an exclusive performance for the Royal Family and two performances for the public.

The High Commission organised the first ever Indian Film Festival in the Kingdom of Eswatini in 2024-25. It was inaugurated by the President of the Senate, HE Ms Lindiwe Dlamini.

India Day and Deepavali Bazaars

The High Commission of India celebrates India Day every year together with Mbabane Day, in collaboration with the Mbabane Municipal Council. The brief describes India Day as a significant event that honours the strong and enduring friendship between India and Eswatini. The event showcases collaboration between the two countries in commerce, education, culture and development partnerships.

Deepavali Bazaars are organised regularly in collaboration with local bodies such as the Investment Promotion Authority and municipal councils. The brief states that these events created awareness of, and enthusiasm for, the handicrafts and businesses of both countries.

Sport

The High Commission sponsored the India@75 Cricket Tournament, held from 06 February to 24 April 2022 as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations in the Kingdom of Eswatini. An Eswatini team took part in the Chess Olympiad 2022 at Chennai.

India also donated sports equipment and apparel worth Emalengeni 84320/- (equivalent to Rs 4,04,025) to Eswatini for the SACU/SADC games.

The Indian community

The brief puts the Indian community in Eswatini at about 3000, made up of people of Indian origin and Indian nationals. About 90 per cent of the community are from the State of Gujarat, and most have lived in Eswatini since the early 2000s. A few migrated from South Africa over a period of time, having earlier settled there during colonial times.

Most of the remaining members of the diaspora are from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. According to the brief, most supermarkets and businesses in Eswatini are owned or operated by members of the Gujarati community.

A small section of the diaspora works in government departments and in professions such as medicine and teaching, as practising doctors, professors, lecturers and teachers.