India and the African Union have postponed a summit that was scheduled to take place next week in New Delhi, citing the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The decision was announced jointly by Indian and AU officials on May 21, 2026.
The summit, which was to focus on trade, investment, and development cooperation, has been delayed indefinitely. The postponement comes as the DRC battles a resurgence of the Ebola virus, with the World Health Organization reporting new cases in the eastern part of the country.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat agreed that the health situation required immediate attention and that holding the summit as planned could pose risks to participants. Both sides expressed commitment to rescheduling the event once the outbreak is under control.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC, declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO, has prompted travel advisories and health screenings in several African nations. India has offered medical assistance to the DRC, including supplies and expertise.
The postponement underscores the ongoing challenges posed by infectious diseases in Africa and the need for coordinated global responses. India and the AU have pledged to maintain dialogue and cooperation on health security and other shared priorities.
