Ezulwini – Shri N. Ram Prasad, the Indian High Commissioner to Eswatini, spoke about the strengthening cultural and media ties between India and the Kingdom during an interview at the National Media Awards on Monday, 22 December 2025.
Prasad reflected on the year’s accomplishments, particularly in media and cultural exchanges, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between the two nations.
“This year has been very significant for both media and cultural exchanges between India and Eswatini. 2025 has been a year full of remarkable events, with many bilateral exchanges taking place,” Prasad remarked.
A major highlight was Eswatini’s participation in the World Audiovisual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) held in Mumbai in May 2025. Led by Honourable Foreign Minister Pholile Shakantu, the Eswatini delegation included representatives from major local media houses. The event provided a platform for Eswatini’s media professionals to engage with international counterparts and share best practices, which Prasad believes will benefit the Kingdom’s media sector. “The exposure to global media trends will undoubtedly help Eswatini’s media professionals develop their skills and contribute to the growth of the industry here,” he said.
The Indian government also sponsored several visits for Eswatini journalists to India, offering them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with India’s dynamic media environment. These visits, which took place twice in 2025, form part of a broader effort to institutionalize media exchanges between the two countries.
Prasad also touched on the cultural exchanges that have flourished in recent years, particularly Eswatini’s participation in the Surajkun Mela, a major cultural festival in India. In 2025, a 20-member delegation from Eswatini, consisting of cultural and business representatives, will visit India for more than three weeks. “This delegation will have the chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of India while fostering business and cultural ties,” Prasad explained.
Another milestone was the hosting of the first-ever Indian Film Festival in Eswatini in late 2024, which featured 13 Indian films. The festival, inaugurated by the Honourable Senate President, marked a significant cultural event in the Kingdom. Prasad noted that such initiatives are vital for promoting cultural exchange and strengthening ties between the two countries. “The Indian Film Festival in Eswatini was a major success. It showcased the richness of Indian cinema and helped deepen our cultural connections,” he said.
Looking ahead, Prasad revealed that the Indian High Commission has developed a draft cultural exchange program aimed at facilitating further collaboration between India and Eswatini. “We hope this program will open up even more avenues for both our nations to engage in cultural exchanges, enriching our relationship even further,” he said.
Prasad concluded by expressing his hope that 2026 would serve as a foundation for continued growth in the areas of media and culture. “It has been a very positive year, and we are excited to build on these achievements in the future.”
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