Gates Skips Keynote at India AI Impact Summit
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has withdrawn from delivering his scheduled keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The decision, announced by the Gates Foundation, comes amidst heightened scrutiny regarding alleged links cited in recently released documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The summit, a significant global gathering focused on artificial intelligence, is being held from February 19-20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam.
Foundation Cites Focus on Summit Priorities
The Gates Foundation confirmed Mr. Gates' withdrawal, stating, '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 foundation further announced that Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, would represent the organization at the summit. This move follows a period of uncertainty, as the Gates Foundation had initially indicated Mr. Gates would attend and speak, only to reverse the decision shortly before his scheduled appearance.
Epstein Files Bring Renewed Scrutiny
The withdrawal is directly linked to the release of new documents in late January 2026 from the Jeffrey Epstein files. These documents contained unverified allegations concerning Mr. Gates, including claims of extramarital affairs and attempts to conceal a sexually transmitted infection. A spokesperson for Bill Gates has strongly refuted these claims, describing them as 'absolutely absurd and completely false.' The spokesperson added that 'The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein's frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.' Mr. Gates has previously acknowledged meeting Epstein, stating in a 2021 interview that it was a 'mistake' and that their interactions were confined to philanthropy-related discussions.
India AI Impact Summit Continues
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, is envisioned as the first-ever global AI summit hosted in the Global South. Its objective is to drive inclusive, impactful, and action-oriented AI through global collaboration, focusing on themes such as 'People, Planet, and Progress.' Despite Mr. Gates' absence, the summit features other prominent speakers, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, alongside various tech industry leaders.
5 Comments
Noir Black
He should have been more transparent about his Epstein ties from the beginning. Now it's a mess.
Eugene Alta
His decision to step back might prevent the summit from being overshadowed, which is positive for the event's goals. Still, it doesn't resolve the underlying issues surrounding the Epstein connection that continue to resurface and impact public trust.
Katchuka
Another powerful man trying to escape accountability. 'Focus on priorities' is a weak excuse.
Noir Black
This isn't about protecting the summit; it's about protecting his reputation. Too little, too late.
BuggaBoom
His spokesperson's denial is strong. Sounds like Epstein was just trying to defame him.