New Delhi: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will not deliver the scheduled keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit today, February 19, in New Delhi. The announcement in this regard was made by his philanthropic
organisation, the Gates Foundation.
"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 said.
The organisation further stated that it will be represented at the summit by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices.
It added, "The Gates Foundation will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the Summit."
Reaffirming its engagement, the foundation stated, "The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals."
The statement put an end to lingering uncertainty over whether Bill Gates would deliver the address at the summit. over whether the Microsoft founder would deliver the address or not at the summit. Notably, when India announced its guest list for the AI Impact Summit 2026, Gates' name was a headliner. His name appeared in official releases, media reports, and the summit's own promotional materials alongside Sam Altman, Sundar Pichai, Dario Amodei, and Demis Hassabis.
However, on Tuesday, Gates was not there in the list of key attendees of the summit. Later on the same day, a Gates Foundation spokesperson reportedly confirmed to news agency ANI that the Microsoft co-founder would address the summit.
Gates' name had disappeared from the summit website's "Global Visionaries" section without any official explanation, sparking widespread speculation that he had either withdrawn or been excluded. Meanwhile, he arrived in Andhra Pradesh on February 16, where he met senior ministers and reviewed technology-driven governance initiatives.
The disappearance of the Microsoft co-founder's name from the attendee list came amid outrage in India over his alleged relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
About The AI Summit In New Delhi:
The five-day summit has drawn participation from over 110 countries and 30 international organisations, including about 20 heads of state or Government and nearly 45 ministers.
This edition marks the fourth in the series, following previous summits in the United Kingdom (2023), South Korea (2024), and France (2025).
