Bill Gates Pulls Out of India AI Impact Summit 2026 Keynote

Bill Gates has withdrawn from delivering his keynote address at the ongoing AI Summit in Delhi, just hours before he was due to take the stage. The Gates Foundation confirmed that he will be replaced by Ankur Vora.

In an official statement, the foundation said the decision was made after careful deliberation to ensure that attention remains on the summit’s core agenda. Vora, who serves as President of the foundation’s Africa and India offices, is scheduled to address the gathering later in the day. The organization added that it continues to be fully committed to its health and development initiatives in India.

Gates had been listed as a keynote speaker for February 19, the main day of the summit, with a 12-minute speaking slot scheduled shortly before noon. The event is being held at Bharat Mandapam.

The Microsoft co-founder arrived in India earlier this week and began his visit in Vijayawada, where he met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and senior state officials. Several ministers were present to receive him at the international airport.

This year’s AI Impact Summit marks its fourth edition and focuses on governance challenges surrounding rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, while also serving as a platform for India to strengthen its global standing in the technology sector.

Gates’ decision to step back comes amid renewed attention on recently released emails involving the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The correspondence suggested repeated meetings between Epstein and foundation staff after his release from prison, including discussions linked to philanthropic initiatives. Gates has previously stated that those interactions were limited to charity-related matters and acknowledged that engaging with Epstein was a mistake.

Founded in 2000 by Gates and his then-wife, the Gates Foundation is among the world’s largest supporters of global health and development programmes. Gates currently serves as chair and board member of the organization.