The Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to 31, has been postponed following growing concerns over the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
The decision was taken jointly by India and the African Union after consultations on the evolving public health situation across the continent.
The summit, which was expected to bring together several African leaders and key stakeholders, will now be held at a later date. Fresh dates have not been announced yet and will be finalised through mutual consultations between both sides.
India And African Union Agree To Delay Summit
According to a joint statement, India, the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union Commission reviewed the emerging health crisis and agreed that postponing the summit was the most appropriate step to ensure full participation and safety.
Both sides also reaffirmed their long-standing partnership based on solidarity, mutual respect, South-South cooperation and shared goals of peace, development and prosperity.
The statement highlighted the importance of strengthening public health preparedness and cooperation across Africa, including support for Africa CDC and national health institutions.
WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak A Global Health Emergency
The postponement comes shortly after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak remains a serious concern, with more than 130 deaths linked to the disease and over 500 suspected cases reported so far.
Health officials have also warned that ongoing challenges in reaching affected populations are complicating containment efforts.
India Issues Travel Advisory For Ebola-Affected Countries
In response to the situation, India’s Union Health Ministry issued an advisory for travellers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected nations including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
Passengers experiencing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat or unexplained bleeding have been asked to immediately report to airport health authorities.
Travellers have also been advised to seek urgent medical attention if symptoms develop within 21 days of arrival and inform healthcare officials about their travel history.
Delhi Airport also released a separate advisory urging passengers from high-risk countries to cooperate with health screening protocols.
Ebola Scare Casts Shadow Over Major Diplomatic Event
The India–Africa Forum Summit is considered one of the most important diplomatic engagements between India and African nations, aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, health, technology, infrastructure and global partnerships.
While the postponement reflects rising caution over the Ebola outbreak, both India and the African Union stressed that their strategic partnership remains strong and committed to future collaboration.
