India and the African Union have agreed to postpone the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), which was scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to 31.
According to a joint press release issued on Thursday, the decision was taken following consultations between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union, and the African Union Commission in view of the evolving health situation in parts of Africa.
The two sides exchanged views on the emerging public health situation and underlined the importance of continued cooperation in strengthening health preparedness and response capacities across the African continent, including support to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and national health institutions.
India reaffirmed its solidarity with African nations and expressed readiness to contribute to efforts led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to address the evolving health situation, in line with the shared commitment to an Africa-led response.
The statement noted that both sides considered it important to ensure full participation and engagement of African leaders and stakeholders at the summit and associated events.
“Following these consultations, the two sides agreed that it would be advisable to convene the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit at a later date,” the statement said.
While the statement did not specify the exact health concerns, the decision comes amid an outbreak of a rare strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the World Health Organization, around 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths have been recorded in the outbreak over the past two months. Reports indicate that the strain involved currently has no approved vaccine.
The Ministry of External Affairs said fresh dates for the summit and related meetings would be finalised through mutual consultations and announced in due course.
India and Africa also reaffirmed their longstanding partnership based on solidarity, mutual respect, South-South cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace, development, prosperity and the well-being of their peoples.
