New Delhi: Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and Chair of the Gates Foundation, will not deliver his scheduled keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the foundation confirmed on Thursday.
In a statement shared through its official India account, the Gates Foundation said that after “careful consideration,” Gates decided to step back from the keynote to ensure the summit remains focused on its core priorities related to artificial intelligence and global development.
The foundation announced that Ankur Vora, President of the Gates Foundation’s Africa and India Offices, will represent the organization and address the summit later today. The statement reaffirmed the foundation’s continued commitment to India, particularly in areas such as public health, equity, and development through technology-driven solutions.
“The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals,” the organization said.
The decision comes amid renewed public attention surrounding Bill Gates following reports of his name appearing in documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, though the foundation did not cite this issue as a reason for the change in plans.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, being held from February 16 to 20, brings together global leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to discuss responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence. The summit is structured around three core pillars—People, Planet, and Progress—highlighting India’s vision for ethical AI and multilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo earlier this week at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and is scheduled to formally open the summit on Thursday.
Despite Gates’ absence, organizers say the summit will proceed as planned, with continued participation from international institutions and global technology leaders, underscoring India’s growing role in shaping the future of responsible AI governance.