Bill Gates skips India AI Impact Summit keynote amid Epstein file references

PTI, Feb 19, 2026, New Delhi : Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates did not deliver the keynote address he was previously scheduled for at the India AI Impact Summit, his foundation said on Thursday.

While the Foundation did not give any reasons, the decision comes after organisers expressed discomfort at giving Gates the stage after his name appeared in documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Union government sources on February 17 stated that an invitation extended to Gates for the Summit, much before the Epstein episode was revealed, has been withdrawn, and he will not be participating in the five-day conference that started on February 16. On that day, a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation quickly contradicted to say he is indeed participating.

On Thursday, the Gates Foundation said he will not speak at the summit so as not to shift the focus of the Summit.

"The Gates Foundation will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the Summit," the Gates Foundation said in a post on X. "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 further said it remains fully committed to its work in India to advance shared health and development goals.

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