India and the African Union have postponed the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit earlier scheduled to hold in New Delhi later this month, citing the evolving public health situation in parts of Africa.
In a joint statement issued on both sides, said consultations were held between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union Commission before the decision was reached.
The summit, known as the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), was initially scheduled for May, in New Delhi.
“The two sides agreed that it would be advisable to convene the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit at a later date,” the statement said.
India and the African Union noted that discussions focused on strengthening public health preparedness and response capacity across Africa, particularly through support for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and national health 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,” the statement added.
The postponement comes amid growing concerns over the recent Ebola outbreak reported in parts of Central Africa, which has prompted heightened regional and international health surveillance.
Despite the postponement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties built on “solidarity, mutual respect, South-South cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace, development, prosperity and the well-being of their peoples.”
India and the African Union said new dates for the summit and related meetings would be announced after further consultations.
