The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India announced the postponement of the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) in New Delhi due to the Ebola outbreak in Africa. This decision follows the World Health Organization's classification of the escalating health crisis in Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The Bundibugyo variant, a less common strain of the Ebola virus, is currently driving the outbreak. In response to the health situation, India and the African Union have reiterated their commitment to enhancing public health preparedness and response capabilities across the continent, with India offering material and strategic support to the Africa CDC.

Despite the postponement, the MEA emphasized the enduring partnership between India and Africa, rooted in mutual respect and cooperation. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh highlighted India's significant investments in Africa, totaling over $80 billion USD, and its role in providing over 40 million vaccine doses during the pandemic. Looking ahead, the minister stressed the importance of youth and education in shaping a balanced and inclusive future for India-Africa relations, while also announcing New Delhi's hosting of the First International Big Cat Alliance Summit in June 2026.