Mumbai: In a surprise development, Bill Gates will not deliver his much-anticipated keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit on February 19 in New Delhi. The announcement was made by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, putting an end to days of speculation.
The foundation said in a statement, “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.”
Who Will Represent the Foundation?
Instead of Gates, the foundation confirmed that Ankur Vora, President of its Africa and India Offices, will address the gathering later in the day.
The statement added that the organisation remains deeply engaged in India. “The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance shared health and development goals,” it said.
From Headliner to Missing Name
When India first unveiled its star-studded guest list for the AI Impact Summit 2026, Gates was prominently featured. His name appeared in official announcements, promotional materials, and media coverage alongside global AI leaders like Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai, Dario Amodei, and Demis Hassabis.
However, by Tuesday, his name was no longer visible in the “Global Visionaries” section of the summit website. The quiet removal triggered widespread curiosity and questions about whether he had stepped back or been dropped from the speaker lineup.
Interestingly, a spokesperson for the foundation had earlier indicated that Gates would address the summit, further deepening the confusion.
Visit to Andhra Pradesh Amid Controversy
While the speculation was unfolding, Gates was in Andhra Pradesh, where he met senior ministers and reviewed technology-driven governance initiatives. His India visit included discussions on health, innovation, and digital development projects supported by the foundation.
At the same time, his name has recently surfaced in renewed global discussions linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, leading to public outrage in some quarters. Though no direct connection to the summit decision has been officially stated, the timing of the controversy fueled online debate.
A Massive Global Gathering Continues
Despite the drama, the five-day summit continues to draw major global participation. Representatives from over 110 countries and around 30 international organisations are attending, including nearly 20 heads of state or government and about 45 ministers.
This is the fourth edition of the AI summit series, following earlier editions hosted in the United Kingdom (2023), South Korea (2024), and France (2025).
