New Delhi: India has deferred the inaugural summit of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), which had been slated to take place in New Delhi on June 1, 2026.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated on Thursday that the summit will now occur at a later stage, with revised dates to be determined following discussions with participating nations and relevant stakeholders.
Decision Connected to Rescheduling of India-Africa Forum Summit
As per the ministry, the IBCA Summit had been organised alongside the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV), since several African nations are major stakeholders in worldwide big cat conservation initiatives.
In an official release, the ministry noted that the decision followed consultations with the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union Commission, which resolved to hold the India-Africa Forum Summit at a later time.
The ministry explained that delaying the IBCA Summit would support wider and more meaningful participation from all big cat range nations, especially African countries.
India Reiterates Dedication to Worldwide Big Cat Conservation
The government reaffirmed that India continues to remain committed to enhancing international collaboration for biodiversity preservation, ecological balance and safeguarding big cat species across the globe.
The summit had been expected to assemble heads of state, ministers, wildlife specialists and conservation collaborators from several countries to deliberate on cooperative strategies for big cat conservation.
Delhi Declaration on Big Cat Conservation Anticipated
Among the key expected outcomes of the summit was the proposed adoption of the “Delhi Declaration on Big Cat Conservation,” intended to establish a unified international framework for safeguarding big cat species and their ecosystems.
Nearly 13 heads of state were expected to speak at the summit and present national conservation priorities and experiences.
Earlier this month, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav had referred to the summit as strategically important for advancing international partnerships, South-South cooperation and coordinated initiatives among big cat range nations.
About the International Big Cat Alliance
The IBCA was created by the Government of India in 2024 through the National Tiger Conservation Authority under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The alliance seeks to promote cooperation among countries for conserving major big cat species, including:
Tigers
Lions
Leopards
Snow leopards
Cheetahs
Jaguars
Pumas
Membership remains open to all United Nations member states, including both range and non-range countries interested in supporting wildlife conservation initiatives.
Summit to Be Rescheduled Following Consultations
The ministry stated that updated dates for the summit would be announced in due course after consultations with partner countries and stakeholders.
The postponement comes amid ongoing efforts to secure maximum participation and stronger international involvement in the proposed conservation framework.