Big Cat Summit in New Delhi postponed

In the wake of concerns over the Ebola virus, India has postponed the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) summit that was scheduled in New Delhi on June 1.

The summit was expected to have significant representation from African countries. The First IBCA Summit was scheduled in conjunction with the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), as several African countries host big cats and are important partners in global efforts towards conservation, ecological sustainability and biodiversity protection.

“It has been decided that, in order to ensure broad and active participation from all Range countries, including African countries, the First IBCA Summit too will be convened at a later date. New dates for the Summit will be announced in due course following consultations with participating countries and stakeholders,” a press statement from the Environment Ministry late on Thursday (May 21, 2026) noted.

“⁠India remains firmly committed to working with all partners to advance the shared objectives of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development,” it added.