India Postpones First International Big Cat Alliance Summit

• First IBCA Summit was scheduled for June 1 in New Delhi
• Summit linked with Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit
• Decision taken to ensure wider participation from range countries
• New dates to be announced after consultations with stakeholders

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd May: The Government of India has announced the postponement of the first summit of the International Big Cat Alliance, which was scheduled to be held in New Delhi on June 1, 2026.

According to an official statement issued by the government, the summit was being organised alongside the Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), as several African nations are key habitats for big cats and major partners in biodiversity conservation efforts.

The decision to reschedule the IBCA Summit comes after consultations with the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union Commission regarding the postponement of the India-Africa Forum Summit.

Officials said the move was aimed at ensuring broader and more active participation from all big cat range countries, including African nations.

The government stated that fresh dates for the summit would be announced after further consultations with participating countries and stakeholders.

India reiterated its commitment to global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through international cooperation.

The International Big Cat Alliance was launched by India to strengthen conservation efforts for seven major big cat species, including tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, cheetahs, jaguars and pumas.

The initiative seeks to facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, ecological sustainability and collaborative conservation among countries hosting big cat populations.

India has increasingly positioned itself as a leading voice in wildlife conservation and environmental protection through global initiatives linked to biodiversity and climate action.