The Gates Foundation on Thursday confirmed that its chair, Bill Gates, will not deliver the scheduled keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Gates had been slated to speak on the fourth day of the summit. In an official statement, the foundation said the decision was taken after “careful consideration” to ensure that attention remains focused on the summit’s primary objectives.
“The Gates Foundation will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the Summit,” the statement read.
The foundation reiterated its continued commitment to advancing shared health and development goals in India.
Earlier Reports and Clarification
Earlier this week, reports suggested that Gates would skip the summit during his India visit. The foundation had initially denied those claims, stating that he would attend as scheduled. However, Thursday’s announcement confirmed the change in plans.
Bill Gates’ Visit to Andhra Pradesh
Gates arrived in India earlier this week and visited Andhra Pradesh, where he met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
During the visit, several projects supported by the Gates Foundation were inaugurated in collaboration with the state government. The initiatives focus on health, development, and technology-driven solutions.
Controversy Surrounding Epstein Files
Gates’ absence from the summit also comes amid renewed public attention following the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
A newly released tranche of files reportedly includes references to Gates. According to media reports, emails attributed to Epstein contain claims regarding personal matters involving Gates.
A spokesperson for Gates strongly denied the allegations, calling them “absolutely absurd and completely false.” The spokesperson stated that the documents reflect Epstein’s frustration over not having an ongoing relationship with Gates and alleged attempts to defame him.
Foundation Maintains Focus on Development Goals
Despite the controversy, the Gates Foundation emphasized that its work in India remains unchanged. The organization continues to collaborate with government and local partners to advance public health, agriculture, and digital innovation initiatives.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 proceeds with global stakeholders, policymakers, and technology leaders participating in discussions on artificial intelligence and its societal impact.
