The Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), scheduled to be held in New Delhi from 28–31 May, has been postponed following the World Health Organization (WHO)'s declaration of Ebola virus outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the deferral on Thursday, 21 May, citing the evolving health situation across parts of Africa and the need to ensure full participation of African leaders and stakeholders.

Why the Summit Was Deferred

The postponement followed extensive consultations between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), and the African Union Commission. Both sides concluded that convening the summit under current conditions would compromise the participation and engagement of African delegations. The MEA stated that the two sides 'agreed that it would be advisable to convene the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit at a later date.'

The WHO's PHEIC designation — the organisation's highest alert level — reflects the risk of cross-border transmission from active Ebola clusters in the DRC and Uganda. This is the first postponement of an IAFS since the forum was established in 2008, underscoring the gravity of the health situation.

India Reaffirms Solidarity With Africa

In its official statement, the MEA said India reaffirmed its solidarity with the peoples and governments of Africa and expressed readiness to contribute to Africa CDC-led efforts to address the evolving health situation, 'in line with the shared commitment to an Africa-led response.' Both sides also reaffirmed their 'longstanding partnership founded 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 had been closely coordinating on the summit's convening, and both sides indicated they would continue working on public health preparedness and response capacities across the continent, including through support to Africa CDC and relevant national institutions.

IGI Airport Issues Ebola Health Advisory

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Thursday issued a public health advisory for passengers arriving from, or transiting through, Ebola-affected countries. The advisory, shared via a post on X, was issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The advisory identifies the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan as high-risk countries, based on WHO updates. Travellers experiencing symptoms — including fever, vomiting, weakness or fatigue, diarrhoea, headache, unexplained bleeding, muscle pain, or sore throat — have been asked to immediately report to the Airport Health Officer or health desk before immigration clearance.

What Travellers Must Know

Passengers who have had direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient are required to inform health authorities upon arrival. Those who develop symptoms within 21 days of arrival are advised to seek immediate medical care and disclose their recent travel history to healthcare providers.

IGI Airport urged full cooperation with health screening measures, citing compliance with International Health Regulations (IHR). New dates for the IAFS IV and its associated meetings will be finalised through mutual consultations and communicated in due course.