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Bill Gates Skips India AI Summit Amid Epstein Files Controversy

The Gates Foundation announced Bill Gates will not deliver the keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit. The foundation stated the decision was made to keep the focus on the summit's key priorities, and it will be represented by Ankur Vora, president of its Africa and India offices. The clarification comes amid speculation linked to Gates' name appearing in the Epstein files and his absence from the official participant list. The summit aims to shape collaborative strategies for harnessing AI's transformative potential aligned with principles of welfare for all.

Key Points: Bill Gates Withdraws from India AI Summit Keynote

  • Gates withdraws from keynote
  • Foundation cites focus on summit priorities
  • Ankur Vora to represent instead
  • Decision follows Epstein files controversy
  • Summit aims to shape AI strategies for welfare
2 min read

Bill Gates not to deliver keynote address at AI Impact Summit, says Gates Foundation

Bill Gates will not deliver his keynote at the India AI Impact Summit. The Gates Foundation cites a focus on summit priorities, amid Epstein files speculation.

"After careful consideration, and to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit's key priorities, Mr Gates will not be delivering his keynote address. - Gates Foundation"

New Delhi, Feb 19

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will not deliver the keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit, his philanthropic organisation, the Gates Foundation, announced on Thursday morning.

In a statement, the foundation clarified that it will instead be represented at the summit by Ankur Vora, president of its Africa and India offices, who is scheduled to address the gathering later in the day in New Delhi.

"After careful consideration, and to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit's key priorities, Mr Gates will not be delivering his keynote address," the Gates Foundation said in a post on X.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to its ongoing initiatives in the country, stating, "The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals."

The statement comes amid controversy over his name reportedly appearing in the Epstein files. The clarification follows days of speculation and uncertainty after Gates' name did not feature on the official list of key participants for the six-day summit, prompting questions about his planned participation.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is aimed at shaping collaborative strategies to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence while fostering innovation, responsible governance and cross-border partnerships.

It has brought together global leaders, policymakers and technology experts to deliberate on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in driving economic growth, improving governance and accelerating social development.

The event seeks to align global AI initiatives with India's civilisational ethos of 'Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya (welfare for all, happiness for all)' while promoting the broader principle of AI for Humanity.

The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is the fourth edition in the series, following previous meetings held in the United Kingdom in 2023, South Korea in 2024, and France in 2025.

The platform enables leaders to examine the ethical, economic, and social implications of artificial intelligence while strengthening partnerships across digital technology, trade, culture, tourism, and maritime cooperation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The Epstein connection is unfortunate and casts a shadow. While his foundation does good work, public figures must be held to high standards. It's better he steps back so the summit's important message isn't diluted.
R
Rohit P
Honestly, it's a bit of a letdown. A keynote from someone like Bill Gates draws global attention to an event in India. Hope the organizers have a solid Plan B to keep the momentum. The 'AI for Humanity' theme is too crucial.
S
Sarah B
The focus should be on the collaborative strategies and India's role in shaping ethical AI. Glad the foundation is still participating. Ankur Vora likely has more direct, on-ground experience relevant to India's context anyway.
V
Vikram M
"Sarvajana Hitaya" – welfare for all. That's the core principle. While Gates' absence is news, let's not forget the summit's goal. We have brilliant Indian minds in AI; the discourse should be led by substance, not star power.
K
Karthik V
The statement says "to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit's key priorities." That's a diplomatic way to put it. Ultimately, it's about the work, not the man. Hope the discussions lead to tangible outcomes for our health and development goals.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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