India is ready to host the first-ever Global Big Cat Summit in 2026. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this during the Union Budget presentation on February 2, 2026. Ministers from 95 countries that have big cats will meet to create strong plans for their protection. Ms. Sitharaman said, "This year, India is hosting the first-ever Global Big Cat Summit, where heads of governments and ministers from 95 range countries will deliberate on collective strategies for conservation." The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was formed last year to unite countries focused on saving big cats. It includes over 90 nations, both those with big cats and those interested in protecting them. This summit marks a major step forward in global wildlife conservation efforts.