A Uganda Red Cross Society worker in protective gear is sprayed with disinfectant during the evacuation of the body of a suspected Ebola victim. |
THE recent postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit IV, originally scheduled for May 28–31 in New Delhi, has cast a significant light on continental diplomacy and high-level engagement between India and African nations.
The joint decision by India and the African Union, announced just days before the event, cited the “emerging public health situation” on the continent, widely understood to refer to the ongoing Bundibugyo ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, raising concerns about the safety and full participation of African leaders and delegates.
Official statements remained cautious, but wider speculation pointed directly to fears of the virus spreading among attendees.
While the postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit due to Ebola fears disrupted high-level talks, it simultaneously spotlighted India’s decisive role in fast-tracking the critical production of a vaccine via the Serum Institute of India (SII), positioning New Delhi as an indispensable partner which has made urgent and swift interventions.
