India–Africa Summit Postponed Over Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo
New Delhi and African Union delay major diplomatic gathering as health concerns rise following renewed Ebola spread in Central Africa.
India and the African Union have postponed the upcoming India–Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi due to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The decision was taken amid growing public health concerns and efforts to contain the spread of the virus in Central Africa.
India and the African Union have postponed the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit, which was scheduled to hold in New Delhi from May 28–31, following a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
India’s foreign ministry said both sides agreed it was necessary to shift the summit to a later date, citing the worsening public health situation on the African continent. The ministry added that the decision was made in consideration of ongoing health risks linked to the outbreak.
The outbreak of Ebola in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has raised concern among global health authorities. The World Health Organization noted that while the global risk remains low, the situation in central Africa is serious, with indications that the virus may have been circulating for months.
Authorities in Congo have recorded the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak, which is currently suspected to have caused about 139 deaths from roughly 600 probable cases. The disease has killed more than 15,000 people across Africa over the past five decades.
India said it remains committed to supporting African partners in managing the outbreak and will contribute to Africa CDC-led efforts aimed at strengthening response and preparedness systems. Meanwhile, Delhi’s international airport has issued health advisories for travelers arriving from DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan.
The government also emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in strengthening public health systems across Africa, noting that new dates for the summit will be announced in due course.
