New Delhi, May 21: India and the African Union have postponed their summit meeting scheduled next week in New Delhi following a deadly outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its international spread.
“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, the two sides agreed that it would be advisable to convene the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit at a later date,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement issued on Thursday.
Offering Aid
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, in line with the shared commitment to an Africa-led response, the statement added.
Ebola is a deadly disease caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses commonly affecting humans and nonhuman primates, such as monkeys, chimpanzees, and gorillas .On May 15, Ebola outbreak was confirmed by the Ministry of Health of the DRC in Ituri Province in northeastern part of the country.
High Death Rate
The WHO, on May 17, noted that International spread had already been documented, with two confirmed cases reported in Kampala, Uganda following travel from the DRC. The 17th outbreak of the Ebola virus in DRC is suspected to have infected 600 people and caused 139 deaths.
India and the African Union had been working closely on the convening of the summit in New Delhi on May 28-31, which was to take place after a decade.
Published on May 21, 2026