NEW DELHI: India and the African Union have postponed the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), originally scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to 31, amid growing concerns over the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
The decision comes at a time when India was preparing to unveil an ambitious roadmap to deepen its strategic, economic and developmental partnership with the African continent after a gap of nearly a decade. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India and the African Union had held consultations on the “evolving health situation” in parts of Africa and agreed that it would be “advisable” to convene the summit at a later date.
“Recognising 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 MEA said. “Following these consultations, the two sides agreed that it would be advisable to convene the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit at a later date,” it added.
The decision was taken against the backdrop of a fresh outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency of international concern. More than 136 deaths have reportedly been linked to the outbreak so far.
The summit was expected to bring together leaders from across Africa, along with representatives of the African Union Commission to chart a broader framework for cooperation in sectors ranging from trade, energy and technology to healthcare, capacity building and digital infrastructure. Several African leaders had already confirmed their participation.
The postponement delays what was being viewed as a major diplomatic push by New Delhi to reinforce its engagement with Africa amid intensifying geopolitical competition for influence on the continent. The previous India-Africa Forum Summit was held in October 2015, while subsequent plans were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and shifting global priorities.
The MEA said India reaffirmed its “solidarity with the peoples and governments of Africa” and expressed readiness to support Africa-led efforts in tackling the health crisis.
“India reaffirmed its readiness to contribute to Africa CDC-led efforts aimed at addressing the evolving health situation,” the statement said, referring to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the African Union’s autonomous public health agency.
Over the past few years, India has sought to expand its footprint in Africa through development partnerships guided by “African priorities and local ownership”. Since 2018, New Delhi has opened 17 new diplomatic missions across the continent, taking the total number of Indian missions in Africa to 46.
The First International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit was scheduled to be held in New Delhi on June 1, too, has been postponed.
An official release said "Following the decision taken in consultation with the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union Commission to convene the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit at a later date, it has been decided that, in order to ensure broad and active participation from all Range countries, including African countries, the First IBCA Summit too will be convened at a later date."
