Former president Jacob Zuma’s visit to India has drawn political attention after he was photographed at a Hindu temple in Haridwar alongside Ajay Gupta.
The Jacob Zuma Ajay Gupta appearance comes as South Africa continues to face delays in efforts linked to the Gupta family and state capture prosecutions.
Zuma Seen At Haridwar Temple With Ajay Gupta Present
Zuma visited Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Temple in Haridwar, northern India, on 26 June 2026, according to Indian reports carried by ANI and The Tribune. He offered prayers at the temple and met Niranjani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri.
The reports said South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, accompanied Zuma during the visit. IOL reported that Ajay Gupta was also present at the religious event, which placed the Jacob Zuma Ajay Gupta relationship back in the public spotlight.
Swami Kailashanand Giri told reporters that it was Zuma’s first visit to Haridwar. He also said Zuma had travelled from Delhi to Saharanpur before going to the temple.
During the visit, Zuma made political remarks about his future. According to ANI, he said he believed he would win future elections because “the people of God” had stood by him.
MK Party Defends Zuma’s India Visit
The MK Party rejected claims that Zuma had undermined South Africa’s efforts to hold the Gupta family accountable. According to IOL, party spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu said Zuma was a private citizen and had the right to travel.
Mahlangu also said Zuma had attended the annual religious event for many years. He argued that Ajay Gupta’s presence at the same religious gathering was not the responsibility of the MK Party.
“If a member of the Gupta family attended a religious event where two other former Heads of State were attending, it is not the problem of uMkhonto weSizwe Party,” Mahlangu said, according to IOL.
The party also said Zuma had broken no law by attending the event. Mahlangu added that Zuma was “not a prisoner” and remained free to attend religious gatherings.
Gupta Extradition Efforts Remain Unresolved
The Jacob Zuma Ajay Gupta controversy comes against the wider backdrop of South Africa’s long-running state capture cases. The Gupta family has faced allegations linked to improper influence during Zuma’s presidency.
South Africa has tried to extradite Gupta brothers Atul and Rajesh from the United Arab Emirates, but those efforts have not yet succeeded. EWN reported that the UAE dismissed South Africa’s extradition request in 2023, while the brothers had still not appeared in a South African court by March 2025.
In June 2025, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption said it would submit a fresh extradition application for the Gupta brothers. IDAC head Andrea Johnson told Parliament the NPA would not give up, despite earlier failed attempts.
Official Response Still Unclear
The public appearance of Zuma, Ajay Gupta and South Africa’s High Commissioner at the same event has raised questions about whether South African authorities knew Ajay Gupta’s location.
However, no official South African government response was available in the reviewed sources at the time of publication. Newsroom will update the article if authorities issue a verified statement.