ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Bill Gates not to deliver keynote address at AI Impact Summit
The statement comes amid controversy over Gates’ name reportedly appearing in the Epstein files.
-
IANS - Thu, 19, Feb 2026
- 01:37 EST
- 15
Microsoft founder Bill Gates at Parliament House during the budget session of the Eighteenth Lok Sabha in New Delhi on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. / IANS/Prem Nath Pandey
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 Feb. 19.
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.”
ALSO READ: Bill Gates in Andhra Pradesh
The statement comes amid controversy over Gates’ 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.
Discover more stories on NewIndiaAbroad
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login