A day after the Gates Foundation announced that Bill Gates would deliver the keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the organisation reversed its decision on Thursday, stating that the Microsoft co-founder would not attend the event “after careful consideration”.
Gates was scheduled to speak at Bharat Mandapam, where the four-day summit is being held. However, the foundation said it decided that his absence would ensure the focus remained on the event’s priorities.
“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. The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals,” the foundation said in a statement.
U-turn after earlier confirmation
The move comes just a day after the foundation had dismissed speculation about his participation and asserted that Gates “will be delivering his keynote as scheduled”.
The sudden change has drawn attention as it coincides with growing scrutiny over Gates’s name appearing in documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.
Gates has previously rejected allegations arising from the so-called Epstein files, calling them “absolutely absurd and completely false”.
While the foundation did not cite any specific reason for the withdrawal beyond maintaining focus on the summit, the reversal comes amid online backlash and criticism surrounding his visit to India.
Andhra Pradesh visit draws attention
Earlier this week, Gates was received in Andhra Pradesh, where state leaders welcomed him at Gannavaram Airport. Nara Lokesh posted on social media platform X that it was a pleasure to receive the Chair of the Gates Foundation in Amaravati.
The visit, however, also triggered criticism on social media, with some users accusing Gates of treating India as a “testing lab” for products and raising questions about his past associations.
Despite the controversy, the foundation reiterated its commitment to continuing its work in India in areas of health, development and technology-driven innovation.
High-profile speakers lined up
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has attracted several global leaders and industry figures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are scheduled to address the gathering, followed by Antonio Guterres.
Later in the day, technology and business leaders including Sam Altman and Mukesh Ambani are also expected to deliver speeches.
The summit, now in its fourth day, focuses on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in governance, healthcare, education and economic development.
Focus shifts back to summit agenda
While Gates’s withdrawal has sparked fresh debate online, organisers appear keen to ensure that discussions at the summit remain centred on AI innovation and its societal impact.
The Gates Foundation’s statement sought to underline that its long-standing partnership with India would continue, even as Gates himself steps back from the keynote address.
With multiple global leaders and tech executives still scheduled to speak, the summit is expected to proceed as planned, though Gates’s absence is likely to remain a talking point.