India Postpones First International Big Cat Alliance Summit

India postponed the first International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit in New Delhi on 21 May 2026. The summit had been scheduled for 1 June or 1–2 June 2026 and was linked with the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit.

International Big Cat Alliance

The International Big Cat Alliance is a multilateral initiative for the conservation of big cats. It was formally established on 12 March 2024 and has 25 member countries and five observer nations.

India-Africa Forum Summit

The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit, also called IAFS IV, was deferred along with the IBCA Summit. The two meetings were planned together because several African countries are partners in big cat conservation efforts.

Ebola Virus and African Participation

The postponement was linked to the evolving health situation related to the Ebola virus in parts of Africa. The decision was taken in consultation with the chairperson of the African Union and the African Union Commission.

Important Facts for Exams

• The International Big Cat Alliance was launched on 12 March 2024.
• The IBCA has 25 member countries and five observer nations.
• Big cats include tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.
• The African Union is a continental organisation of African states headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Future Schedule

New dates for the IBCA Summit will be announced after consultations with participating countries and stakeholders. The Environment Ministry stated that India remains committed to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.