MEA Confirms Postponement Of India-Africa Forum Summit After Health Review
India-Africa summit postponed after Ebola-related health concerns.
The fourth edition of the India-Africa Forum Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to 31, has been postponed following concerns over the spread of Ebola virus in parts of Africa, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. The decision has been taken jointly by India and the African Union after discussions on the feasibility of holding the high-level gathering under the current health situation.
The summit, which brings together India and African Union member states to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and development cooperation, was expected to be one of the most significant multilateral engagements of the year. However, the evolving public health situation in Africa prompted both sides to reassess the timing of the event. Officials said new dates will be finalised through mutual consultations in the coming months.
According to the MEA, the decision followed detailed discussions between Indian authorities, the Chairperson of the African Union, and the African Union Commission. The review focused on the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa and the need to prioritise health preparedness and safety of participants. The ministry stressed that the postponement is a precautionary step rather than a cancellation.
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In its statement, the MEA reiterated India’s support for African countries in managing public health challenges and said New Delhi remains committed to assisting efforts led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The statement emphasised that cooperation in strengthening healthcare systems and emergency response capacities will continue as part of broader India-Africa engagement.
India also highlighted that the partnership with Africa is rooted in long-standing principles of solidarity, mutual respect, and South-South cooperation. Officials said both sides remain committed to advancing shared goals in development, prosperity, and global health security, despite the delay in the summit schedule.
The postponement comes amid renewed global concern over Ebola after the World Health Organization declared outbreaks in Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Health authorities have linked the current situation to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, underscoring the need for heightened surveillance and coordinated international response measures.
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