This article outlines diplomatic relations between India and Lesotho: the establishment of relations, visits by ministers and dignitaries in both directions, the Joint Bilateral Cooperation Commission, and Lesotho's participation in summits hosted by India. It is based on the MEA brief of April 2026, and office holders are named as the brief names them, with the date or event it gives.

Establishment of relations

According to the MEA brief of April 2026, India and Lesotho established diplomatic relations on 8 June 1971. How each country is represented in the other, including the opening of Lesotho's resident Mission in New Delhi, is covered in the practical article of this guide.

The brief describes India and Lesotho as enjoying a strong relationship that has stood the test of time. It states that the relationship is based on shared values and principles and underpinned by the objective of South-South cooperation.

Visits from India

Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho on 21-22 July 2025. The brief states that this was the first Ministerial visit after a gap of 10 years, following the first-ever Ministerial visit from India to Lesotho in July 2015.

In Lesotho, the Minister of State paid a courtesy call on His Majesty King Letsie III and on the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Mr. Samuel Matekane. He also held bilateral meetings in Maseru with:

  • Mr. Mpotjoane Lejone, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations
  • Ms. Nthati Moorosi, Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology & Innovation
  • Dr. Ntoi Rapapa, Minister of Education & Training
  • Mr. Ts'eliso Mokhosi, Minister of Labour and Employment

An MoU on sharing digital solutions was signed during the visit, as described in the development article of this guide.

The first-ever Ministerial visit took place on 9 July 2015, when Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (IC) for Culture and Tourism and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, visited Lesotho as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister. He delivered invitations for the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit and met the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Dr. Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Tlohang Sekhamane.

The High Commissioner's visit of January 2026

India's High Commissioner, Shri Prabhat Kumar, visited Maseru on 15-17 January 2026. He called on the Minister of Health Selibe Mochoboroane, the Minister of Home Affairs Lebona Lephema, the Minister of Information Nthati Moorosi, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Limpho Tau and the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Pitso Lesaoana. According to the brief, he discussed the bilateral agenda for 2026 with the Ministers.

Visits from Lesotho

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Ms Matsepo Molise Ramakoae visited India and met EAM on 1 June 2022. Visits by Lesotho ministers for defence, health, agriculture, water and business events are covered in the development article, and visits linked to education in the culture and education article.

Voice of Global South Summits

Lesotho has taken part in the virtual Voice of Global South Summits hosted by India. The brief records the following:

  • Minister of Finance and Development Planning Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane MP delivered remarks as a panellist in the Finance Ministers' Session on 12 January 2023, during the Summit of 12-13 January 2023 held during India's G20 Presidency.
  • Minister of Environment and Forests Mr. Letsema Adonts attended the Environment Ministers' Session of the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit on 17 November 2023, chaired by India's Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Lejone Mpotjoana took part in the virtual Foreign Ministers' Session-I, 'Charting a unique paradigm for Global South'.
  • At the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on 17 August 2024, Mr. Kanono Leronti Ramashamole, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, attended the session on 'DPIs for Development - A Global South Approach'.

Joint Bilateral Cooperation Commission

The Agreement establishing the Joint Commission was signed in March 2004. The first session of the Joint Bilateral Cooperation Commission (JBCC) was held in New Delhi in March 2009.

The fourth meeting of the JBCC was held in Lesotho on 1 October 2019. The 5th round of the Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation was held in Maseru on 2 August 2023. The sixth meeting was held in New Delhi on 30 July 2026.

Agreements

The brief lists two agreements and MoUs under this heading:

  • An Agreement on exemption from visa requirement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, signed in December 2020
  • An MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation, signed in Maseru on 21 July 2025 during the visit of the Minister of State