The Gates Foundation of India has announced that Microsoft founder Bill Gates will not deliver the keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
In a statement posted on X on February 19, the foundation said that after careful consideration, it was decided that Mr. Gates would not speak at the event. The statement added that this decision was taken to ensure that the focus remains on the main priorities of the AI Summit.
Earlier, government sources had also indicated that Gates might not attend the summit. Reports suggest that his absence could be linked to the controversy surrounding his name appearing in files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The India AI Impact Summit is expected to bring together policymakers, technology experts, industry leaders, and researchers to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on society and the economy.
While the organisers have not provided detailed reasons beyond their official statement, the announcement has drawn attention because Gates was expected to be one of the key speakers at the event. The summit organisers are likely to announce alternative keynote speakers in the coming weeks.
The development comes amid ongoing discussions globally about public figures whose names have appeared in documents connected to Epstein, though no specific allegations have been detailed in this case.