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Bill Gates Skips AI Summit Keynote; Ankur Vora Steps In for Foundation

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has cancelled his scheduled keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The Gates Foundation announced that Ankur Vora, President of its Africa and India Offices, will represent the organization and speak at the summit instead. The foundation reiterated its full commitment to its collaborative health and development work in India. The summit, currently underway in New Delhi, aims to showcase India's leadership in responsible and inclusive AI development.

Key Points: Bill Gates Misses AI Summit, Ankur Vora to Represent Foundation

  • Bill Gates cancels keynote
  • Ankur Vora to represent foundation
  • Summit focuses on AI for global good
  • Foundation reaffirms India commitment
  • Event part of India's AI leadership push
2 min read

Bill Gates to skip AI Impact Summit keynote; Ankur Vora to represent foundation

Bill Gates cancels his keynote at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The Gates Foundation will be represented by President Ankur Vora.

"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 India"

New Delhi, February 19

Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates will not deliver his keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the Gates Foundation India announced on Thursday.

The announcement was made via the foundation's official account (@BMGFIndia), which posted, "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 organization further clarified that it will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who "will speak later today at the Summit".

It added, "The Gates Foundation will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the Summit."

Reaffirming its engagement, the foundation stated, "The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals."

The announcement comes amid the ongoing summit in New Delhi, which features prominent global figures in technology and AI and aims to highlight India's leadership in responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence development.

In this context, Ankur Vora, who serves as President of the Africa and India Offices at the Gates Foundation, is expected to represent the organisation and deliver remarks during today's sessions.

The foundation also emphasised its continued dedication to collaborative efforts in India focused on health, equity, and broader development objectives through technology and innovation.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 brings together nations and international institutions, reflecting India's focus on multilateral collaboration and the use of AI to address global challenges and unlock new opportunities for shared growth.

India is hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20. It is anchored in three foundational pillars, or 'Sutras': People, Planet and Progress.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Honestly, this is better. Ankur Vora will have a much deeper understanding of the Indian and African contexts where AI solutions are desperately needed. Global figures are nice, but practical, ground-level insights matter more.
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Aman W
The summit is about 'People, Planet, Progress' – perfect themes for India. Whether it's Gates or Vora, the commitment to health and development through tech is what counts. Hope the discussions lead to real, scalable projects for our villages.
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Sarah B
Interesting move. While a keynote from Gates would have drawn more international headlines, having the President for Africa and India speak signals a shift towards prioritizing regional expertise. Hope the media coverage reflects the substance, not the absence.
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Vikram M
Fully support this. We don't need foreign celebrities to validate our AI summit. Ankur Vora's perspective will be far more relevant. Let's focus on building our own capacity and leadership in this space. Jai Hind!
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Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The announcement wording feels like corporate PR spin. "After careful consideration..." Just be direct. That aside, the work in health and equity through AI is crucial. Hope Mr. Vora's address has clear, actionable points.

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

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