India and the African Union will set new dates for the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit after the event was postponed over Ebola outbreak concerns, according to a joint decision announced before the planned New Delhi meetings. The summit had been scheduled for May 28–31 after more than a decade without the forum being held as cited by the BBC News.

Officials said the delay was linked to the emerging public health situation on the African continent. The decision follows the World Health Organization’s declaration that the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The summit is expected to be rescheduled through consultations between India and the African Union. Indian media also reported that new dates will be communicated later, while health precautions continue for travellers from affected countries.

India has not reported Ebola cases, but authorities have issued health guidance for passengers arriving from or transiting through affected areas. The outbreak has raised concern because it involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine.

The postponement shows how the health emergency is now affecting major diplomatic engagements beyond the immediate outbreak zones in Central and East Africa.

Source: BBC