Bill Gates Withdraws From India AI Impact Summit 2026 After Foundation Reconsiders Participation
In a sudden change of plans, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced that its co-founder, Bill Gates, will no longer deliver a keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
The reversal came just a day after the foundation had confirmed Gates’ participation in the high-profile gathering at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Organizers had initially scheduled him to address global leaders, technology executives, and policymakers attending the artificial intelligence summit.
A Strategic Step Back
In a formal statement issued Thursday, the foundation said the decision followed “careful consideration” and was made to ensure that the summit remains focused on its core priorities around artificial intelligence and development.
Rather than Gates, the foundation will now be represented by Ankur Vora, President of its Africa and India offices, who is scheduled to speak later during the event.
The foundation emphasized that it remains fully committed to advancing shared health and development objectives in India, underscoring that the change does not alter its broader engagement in the country.
The clarification comes amid speculation after Gates’ name was missing from the updated list of principal participants at the six-day conference.
The Summit’s Global Significance
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is the fourth annual international conference dedicated to artificial intelligence governance and innovation. Previous editions were hosted in the United Kingdom (2023), South Korea (2024), and France (2025).
This year’s summit, held in New Delhi, is being described as the largest edition to date. Organizers expect leaders from more than 20 countries and over 500 global AI experts to participate, including nearly 100 CEOs and founders from across the technology sector.
The event aims to advance discussions on responsible AI deployment, global regulatory cooperation, and the transformative role of artificial intelligence in development and public policy.
Renewed Attention From Epstein Document Release
Gates’ withdrawal comes against the backdrop of renewed public scrutiny after a recent release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Among the materials made public was a draft email in which Epstein allegedly made claims about his association with Gates. The message reportedly referenced assistance involving personal matters and inappropriate relationships. Epstein, who died in a U.S. jail in 2019, had previously been convicted of sex offenses.
While the documents have sparked fresh media attention, no formal charges or legal actions have been announced against Gates in connection with the release.
Focus Shifts Back to AI
By stepping back from the keynote platform, the foundation appears to be aiming to prevent external controversies from overshadowing the summit’s agenda.
The India AI Impact Summit remains centered on global collaboration in artificial intelligence — from innovation and economic opportunity to governance and safety frameworks. With hundreds of policymakers, industry leaders, and experts in attendance, the event continues to position India as a central voice in shaping the future of AI.
For now, the spotlight shifts away from one of the world’s most recognizable tech figures and back to the broader conversation: how artificial intelligence can be harnessed responsibly and inclusively in a rapidly evolving world.