The Gates Foundation has officially confirmed that its chairman, Bill Gates, will not attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Gates was earlier scheduled to deliver a keynote address on the fourth day of the high-profile global technology event.
In a statement released on Thursday, the foundation said the decision was taken after internal deliberations to ensure the summit remains focused on its core agenda.
“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 will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the Summit,” reads the official statement.
Why Is Bill Gates Not Attending the AI Summit?
The foundation clarified that Gates’ absence should not be seen as a withdrawal from India-focused initiatives. It reiterated its long-term commitment to the country’s development goals.
“The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals,” it added further.
— Gates Foundation India (@BMGFIndia) February 19, 2026
Earlier this week, reports had claimed that Gates would skip the summit during his India visit. These reports were initially denied, with the foundation stating that the former Microsoft CEO would attend as planned. The confirmation of his absence has now put those speculations to rest.
Bill Gates AI Summit: Who Will Represent the Gates Foundation at the AI Summit?
In Gates’ absence, Ankur Vora, President of the Gates Foundation’s Africa and India Offices, will address the summit. Organisers said the foundation will continue to participate in discussions around artificial intelligence, healthcare, digital public infrastructure, and inclusive growth.
Bill Gates’ India Visit and Andhra Pradesh Meetings
Despite skipping the summit, Gates remains active in India. He arrived earlier this week and visited Andhra Pradesh, where he met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, and senior state officials.
During the visit, they inaugurated several development projects supported by the Gates Foundation. These initiatives focus on healthcare innovation, digital governance, nutrition, and education, areas where the foundation has partnered with Indian states for years.
Bill Gates AI Summit: Epstein Files Mention Adds to Public Scrutiny
Gates’s absence from the summit also coincides with renewed public attention following his mention in the recently released Epstein files. The documents reportedly include more than three million records linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Emails attributed to Epstein in the files allege involvement with Gates, including claims about personal interactions and medical requests. One email stated:
“To add insult to the injury, you then implore me to please delete the emails regarding your std, your request that I provide you antibiotics that you can surreptitiously give to Melinda, and the description of your penis.”
A spokesperson for Gates has strongly denied the allegations.
“These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false. 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,” a spokesperson told NPR.
Organisers have not linked Gates’ absence to the Epstein-related controversy. However, the timing has fueled online speculation. The summit continues with global policymakers, tech leaders, and researchers discussing AI governance, ethics, and innovation for the Global South.
While Gates will not take the stage, the Gates Foundation’s presence ensures its influence and engagement at one of India’s biggest technology events remains intact.
