Suspension of India-Africa Forum Summit 2026

The 4th India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), originally scheduled for May 28 to May 31, 2026, in New Delhi, has been deferred to a later date due to the high risks of the Ebola virus, which is emerging and rapidly spreading from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the central African region. The African Union and Indian authorities jointly decided to postpone the summit to ensure the health safety of African leaders, stakeholders, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs amid public concerns over participants travelling from the virus-infested continent to New Delhi, India. The India-Africa business dialogue is designed to strengthen bilateral partnerships while facilitating networks for building not just real conversations but also accessing new models of transacting corporate business and remoulding investments. It has threefold dimensions: strategic partnerships, getting new clients, and potential investors. An entirely significant collaboration that opens new markets. Too often, businesses focus only on visibility and forget the power of relationships. But growth rarely happens alone. It happens through collaboration, trusted partnerships, and being in spaces where serious conversations happen naturally. India-Africa has previously held a series of such high-level meetings with key trade and economic institutions in Africa as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral trade, investment cooperation, and private-sector partnerships between India and Africa. These engagements aimed at identifying new economic opportunities and supporting the expansion of Indian-based companies into promising African markets. Key Details & Context Postponement Status: Following joint consultations, both sides mutually agreed to convene the summit at a later date. No rescheduled date has been announced at the time. Summit Objectives: The summit, the first gathering since 2015, aims at deepening strategic multifaceted ties, focusing on South-South cooperation, technology transfers, capacity building, and healthcare resilience. Official Information: 1. Tracking the latest developments, both the Government of the Republic of India and the African Union have been working closely on the convening of the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), initially scheduled to take place in New Delhi from 28–31 May 2026. 2. The two sides exchanged views on the evolving health situation in parts of Africa and reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation in strengthening public health preparedness and response capacities across the continent, including through support to Africa CDC and relevant national institutions. 3. 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. 4. Recognizing 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. 5. Following these consultations, the two sides agreed that it would be advisable to convene the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit at a later date. 6. New dates for the Summit and its associated meetings will be finalized through mutual consultations and communicated in due course. 7. India and Africa 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. Previous Editions of the India–Africa Forum Summit 1st India–Africa Forum Summit New Delhi, India – 2008 The first edition was held in New Delhi from 4–8 April 2008. It marked the launch of the India–Africa strategic partnership framework and resulted in the adoption of the Delhi Declaration and the India–Africa Framework for Cooperation. 2nd India–Africa Forum Summit Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 2011 The second edition was held in Addis Ababa in May 2011. Leaders focused on expanding cooperation in trade, infrastructure, human resource development, agriculture, and peace and security. 3rd India–Africa Forum Summit New Delhi, India – 2015 Theme: “Reinvigorated Partnership – Shared Vision” This edition was historic because all African countries were invited, making it one of India’s largest diplomatic gatherings with African leaders. About the India–Africa Forum Summit: The first three summits were held in New Delhi (2008 and 2015) and Addis Ababa (2011), resulting in important outcomes such as the Delhi Declaration and the Africa–India Framework for Cooperation. The India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is the highest institutional platform for dialogue and cooperation between India and African countries, held under the leadership of the African Union.