India Minister Lashes Zuma Over Secret Gupta Meeting — Calls It 'Middle Finger' to South Africa

July 9, 2026 3 min read

Former South African President Jacob Zuma met with one of the Gupta brothers during a visit to India, prompting sharp criticism from an Indian minister who accused Zuma of showing his country the "middle finger." The meeting, which took place in New Delhi, has reignited scrutiny over Zuma's long-standing ties to the Gupta family, whose business empire became synonymous with state capture in South Africa. The Gupta brothers — Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh — fled South Africa in 2018 as corruption investigations intensified.

The New Delhi Meeting

Zuma, who served as South Africa's president from 2009 to 2018, travelled to India and met with a Gupta brother whose whereabouts had been unknown for years. The meeting was confirmed by Indian government officials who spoke to local media. South African authorities have been seeking the extradition of the Gupta brothers since they left the country amid allegations that they looted billions from the state. Zuma has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with the Gupta family.

The meeting drew immediate condemnation from India's own government. A senior minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters the encounter was inappropriate given the serious criminal allegations against the Guptas in South Africa. The minister questioned why Zuma would choose to associate publicly with someone facing such extensive corruption charges.

South Africa's State Capture Scandal

The Gupta family — Ajay, Atul, and Rajesh — built a business empire in South Africa that prosecutors say was used to plunder state resources. South African investigators estimate the family siphoned roughly 250 billion rand (approximately $14 billion) from public coffers through manipulated government contracts and appointments. The brothers allegedly used their influence over Zuma to place allies in key cabinet positions, a practice investigators called "state capture."

Zuma himself faced multiple corruption charges during and after his presidency. He resigned in 2018 under pressure from the African National Congress party. The Constitutional Court later found Zuma guilty of contempt of court for refusing to testify at a commission investigating the Gupta dealings. He served nine months in prison in 2021 for that conviction.

The Brothers' Disappearance

After leaving South Africa, the Gupta brothers scattered to various countries including the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and India. Indian authorities faced pressure to investigate whether the brothers conducted business activities in India that violated any laws. The fact that Zuma travelled to India specifically to meet one of the brothers has raised fresh questions about their current location and activities.

Political Fallout

South African opposition politicians called for an investigation into how Zuma managed to arrange a meeting with the fugitive businessman. The Democratic Alliance party said the encounter proved Zuma remained loyal to the Gupta family rather than to South African citizens. Parliament members demanded answers from the government about whether any diplomatic channels were used to facilitate the meeting.

The incident complicates India's diplomatic standing in southern Africa. Indian officials have sought to position the country as a reliable partner for African nations through initiatives like the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation. Questions are now being asked about whether India has done enough to cooperate with South Africa's extradition requests.

What Comes Next

South Africa's justice ministry confirmed it has requested formal documentation about the meeting from Indian authorities. The National Prosecuting Authority said it would explore whether the meeting violated any conditions related to Zuma's parole or previous legal arrangements. Zuma remains a controversial figure within the ANC, with his populist rhetoric still resonating with some party factions despite his legal troubles.

Watch for whether South Africa formally requests India's assistance in locating and extraditing the Gupta brother. The next court date in the state capture inquiry is scheduled for March, where witnesses are expected to present new evidence about financial flows linked to the Gupta empire. Indian media outlets have reported that authorities are reviewing whether the Gupta brothers conducted any regulated business activities in India without proper authorization.