Recently the Government of India extended privileges and immunities to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) under the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947.

Purpose of the Decision

• The move follows the Host Country Agreement signed between India and IBCA for its establishment.
  

About the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

• IBCA  is a treaty-based inter-governmental organisation dedicated to the conservation of big cats.
• Launch: Announced in April 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Objective: To promote collaboration and sharing of best practices in conservation worldwide.
• Membership: Brings together 95 range and non-range countries, conservation organisations, corporates, and scientific partners.
• Headquarter: Headquarters Agreement between India and IBCA which provides for India to be the host for the IBCA Headquarters and Secretariat.
• Coverage: Focuses on the conservation of seven big cats; tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma.

First Assembly of IBCA (June 2025, New Delhi)

• The inaugural assembly was chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
• Participation: Attended by ministerial delegations from nine countries including Bhutan, Cambodia, Eswatini, Guinea, India, Liberia, Suriname, Somalia, and Kazakhstan.
• Decisions Taken: Ratification of key documents such as the Headquarters Agreement with India, Workplan, Rules of Procedure, and Financial Regulations.

Significance of Privileges and immunity for IBCA

• Strengthens India’s role as the host country and leader in global wildlife conservation diplomacy.
• It will enable IBCA to function effectively for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building on big cat conservation.
• Reinforces India’s commitment to biodiversity protection and global environmental governance.

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