India-Africa Summit Postponed Over Ebola Outbreak Concerns in DRC

India and the African Union have postponed the India–Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi due to concerns over an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The decision was made as a precaution amid rising cases in the region. The World Health Organization says the outbreak is a high risk in central Africa but low globally, while new dates for the summit will be announced later.

India and the African Union have postponed the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit, which was scheduled to take place in New Delhi from May 28 to 31, following concerns over a worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The decision was jointly agreed by both sides, with India’s foreign ministry stating that the move was made out of caution due to the “emerging public health situation on the continent.” Officials said it was considered more appropriate to delay the high-level gathering of African and Indian leaders until the situation stabilises and health risks are better contained.
The summit was expected to strengthen political, economic, and development cooperation between India and African countries, particularly in areas such as trade, infrastructure, healthcare, and capacity building. However, the outbreak of Ebola in eastern DRC, which has already triggered international concern, shifted priorities toward emergency health coordination.
The current Ebola outbreak in the DRC was declared last Friday and has been described by health authorities as the 17th recorded outbreak in the country. According to figures from health officials, the outbreak is suspected to have caused around 139 deaths and approximately 600 probable cases. The situation has raised alarm due to the speed of spread and the possibility that the virus may have been circulating undetected for weeks before confirmation.
The World Health Organization has stated that while the outbreak presents a high risk within central Africa, the overall global risk remains low. Officials have also warned that early signs suggest the virus may have been spreading for several months before detection, complicating containment efforts.
India said it remains committed to supporting Africa CDC-led response efforts and strengthening cooperation in public health preparedness and emergency response across the continent. The African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to play a central role in coordinating regional containment strategies and supporting affected countries.
In response to the outbreak, India’s authorities have introduced precautionary measures, including a health advisory at New Delhi’s international airport for passengers arriving from the DRC, as well as from neighbouring Uganda and South Sudan. These advisories are aimed at improving early detection and preventing potential cross-border spread.
Despite the postponement, India emphasised that engagement with African nations remains a priority and that new dates for the summit will be announced once conditions improve. Officials reiterated that the delay is temporary and intended to ensure the safety of delegates while maintaining strong diplomatic and development ties between India and African partners.