India-Africa Forum Summit postponed due to the Ebola outbreak

The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), initially scheduled to take place in New Delhi on May 28-31, has been postponed due to the evolving health situation in parts of Africa while new dates for the Summit and its associated meetings will be finalised through mutual consultations and communicated in due course, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

The decision was taken after extensive consultations between the Indian government, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), and the African Union Commission regarding the holding of the summit and associated activities.

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The move follows the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Ebola virus outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to the risk of further transmission.

According to the MEA, India and the African Union, who had been working closely on convening IAFS IV, exchanged views on the evolving health situation in parts of Africa. They reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation in strengthening public health preparedness and response capacities across the continent, including support to Africa CDC and relevant national institutions.

“India reaffirmed its solidarity with the peoples and Governments of Africa and expressed its readiness to contribute to Africa CDC-led efforts aimed at addressing the evolving health situation, in line with the shared commitment to an Africa-led response,” the MEA said in a statement.

“Recognizing the importance of ensuring the full participation and engagement of African leaders and stakeholders, and mindful of the emerging public health situation on the continent, consultations were held between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union, and the African Union Commission regarding the holding of the Summit and associated activities,” the statement said.

Following these consultations, the two sides agreed that convening the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit at a later date would be advisable, the MEA stated.

“New dates for the Summit and its associated meetings will be finalized through mutual consultations and communicated in due course,” the statement said.

“India and Africa reaffirmed their longstanding partnership founded on solidarity, mutual respect, South–South cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace, development, prosperity, and the well-being of their peoples,” the statement added.