New Delhi, 19 Feb: Bill Gates has withdrawn from delivering his keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, stepping back just hours before he was scheduled to appear at the high-profile technology gathering.
In a brief statement, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said the decision was taken “after careful consideration” and to ensure that attention remains on the summit’s central agenda. The foundation did not cite a specific reason for the cancellation.
The development comes as Gates faces renewed public scrutiny following the release of draft emails found in the files of late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The unsent drafts, reportedly written in 2013 and addressed from Epstein to himself, contain unverified claims concerning Gates’ personal life. It remains unclear who authored the messages.
Gates has categorically denied the allegations, calling them “absolutely absurd and completely false.” In recent remarks, he reiterated that while meeting Epstein was “a serious error in judgment,” he had no involvement in any illegal activity and never visited Epstein’s private island. “Every minute I spent with him I regret,” Gates said, adding that documented interactions were limited to dinners and discussions related to philanthropy.
The latest tranche of documents, released by the U.S. Justice Department, includes correspondence showing philanthropic coordination between the two men. All documented meetings occurred after Epstein’s 2008 conviction on prostitution-related charges.
Despite the controversy, the six-day India AI Impact Summit opened as scheduled at Bharat Mandapam, inaugurated by Narendra Modi. In his address, Modi highlighted the need for inclusive and responsible AI development, stating that artificial intelligence “enhances machine intelligence and boosts human capabilities.” India also outlined its “MANAV Vision,” a framework promoting human-centric AI governance and broader technological access for developing nations.
Gates had been in India earlier in the week and met N. Chandrababu Naidu ahead of the summit. Following his withdrawal, the foundation said it would be represented by Ankur Vora, President of its Africa and India offices.
Gates was not the only prominent tech figure to cancel participation. Jensen Huang, chief executive of Nvidia, also did not attend, though no official explanation was provided.
Organizers say the summit—attended by delegates from more than 100 countries—remains focused on advancing AI governance, infrastructure development, and equitable access, positioning India as a leading voice for the Global South in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
