By George Omagbemi Sylvester
India and the African Union (AU) have postponed the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled to hold in New Delhi following growing concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Central and East Africa.
New Delhi, India — Friday, May 22, 2026. The decision was jointly announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and the African Union after consultations over the evolving public health situation on the continent. Officials stated that the postponement became necessary to ensure the full participation and safety of African leaders, delegates, and stakeholders expected at the summit.
The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit was originally scheduled to take place from May 28 to May 31, 2026, with discussions expected to focus on trade, investment, innovation, digital technology, sustainability, and development cooperation between India and African nations.
The postponement comes amid increasing international concern over the Ebola outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following reports of suspected deaths and hundreds of possible cases.
Health authorities and aid organisations have warned that the outbreak is being complicated by armed conflict, population displacement, and weak healthcare infrastructure in affected regions.
Several countries, including the United States, have already introduced tighter health screening and travel measures linked to the outbreak.
India and the African Union assured that new dates for the summit would be announced later as efforts continue to contain the outbreak and stabilise the public health situation across affected regions.
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