India-Africa Forum Summit postponed amid Ebola concerns in parts of Africa
New Delhi, May 21. Amid concerns over the evolving Ebola situation in parts of Africa, India and the African Union have decided to postpone the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), which was scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to 31.
The decision follows consultations between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union Commission, with both sides agreeing that delaying the summit would ensure wider participation of African leaders and stakeholders in view of the emerging public health situation on the continent.
The move comes against the backdrop of renewed Ebola concerns in several African regions, where health authorities have been working to contain outbreaks of the deadly viral disease. Ebola, which spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, has periodically affected countries in Central and West Africa over the past decade, leading to thousands of deaths and placing severe strain on healthcare systems. African governments and international agencies, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, have been intensifying surveillance, emergency response and public health preparedness measures to prevent wider transmission.
In a statement on May 21, the Ministry of External Affairs said India and the African Union had exchanged views on the evolving health situation and reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in strengthening public health preparedness and response capacities across Africa, including support for Africa CDC and national health institutions.
India also reiterated its solidarity with African nations and expressed readiness to support Africa CDC-led efforts aimed at tackling the health emergency, while backing an Africa-led response mechanism.
The two sides said fresh dates for the summit and related meetings would be finalised through mutual consultations and announced later.
Despite the postponement, India and Africa reaffirmed their longstanding partnership based on solidarity, mutual respect, South-South cooperation and a shared commitment to peace, development and prosperity.
