Digital
Bill Gates pulls out of India AI summit keynote
Microsoft co-founder skips New Delhi address hours before slot amid Epstein scrutiny; foundation rep steps in.
MUMBAI: Bill Gates has logged off from his starring role at the India AI Impact Summit proving even tech titans can’t always hit ‘send’ on a speech when the spotlight gets too hot. Just hours before his 12-minute keynote at 11:50 am on 19 February at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Gates Foundation announced the Microsoft co-founder would not deliver his address. “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 foundation stated. Stepping into the breach is Ankur Vora, president of the Africa and India offices who will speak today.
The last-minute switch comes amid swirling attention on Gates’ past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following recent document releases that have reignited scrutiny. Gates has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, calling related claims false, but the timing has raised eyebrows especially after the foundation firmly quashed no-show rumours just two days earlier on 17 February, insisting he was fully on board.
Gates did make it to India, touching down earlier this week. His first port of call was Vijayawada on Monday, where he met Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, deputy chief minister K Pawan Kalyan, and senior officials. Ministers Nara Lokesh, Vangalapudi Anitha, K Archannaidu, and Y Satya Kumar greeted him at the international airport, kicking off discussions on Gates Foundation-backed projects in health and development.
Despite the headline drama, the foundation stressed its ongoing dedication: “The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals.”
The summit packed with big names and billed as a major AI showcase for the Global South carries on without its marquee opener, leaving delegates to ponder whether this glitch in the matrix was strategic caution or something more. Either way, the AI conversation rolls forward, minus one very prominent voice.
— Gates Foundation India (@BMGFIndia) February 19, 2026
