By Zainab Bakare
India and the African Union have postponed the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV) earlier scheduled to hold in New Delhi from May 28 to 31, 2026, citing the evolving public health situation affecting parts of Africa.
The decision is announced in a joint statement issued on Thursday following consultations between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union, and the African Union Commission.
Both sides said the postponement became necessary to guarantee full participation and active engagement of African leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders expected at the summit and related meetings.
India and the African Union also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on public health preparedness and response across the continent, including continued support for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and national health institutions.
India expressed solidarity with African countries affected by the current health concerns and reiterated its readiness to support Africa CDC-led interventions in line with Africa’s commitment to an Africa-led response mechanism.
Despite the postponement, both parties stressed that their longstanding strategic partnership remains strong, built on mutual respect, solidarity, South-South cooperation, and shared aspirations for peace, development, and prosperity.
The two sides added that fresh dates for the summit would be announced after further consultations.
