Bill Gates to skip keynote address at India AI Summit amid Epstein files controversy
Gates Foundation to be represented by Ankur Vora, president of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the Summit
Bill Gates will not deliver keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit, Gates Foundation said on Thursday.
In a post on X, Gates Foundation said, “The Gates Foundation will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the Summit”.
The post said: “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.
— Gates Foundation India (@BMGFIndia) February 19, 2026
While the foundation did not cite any controversy, the decision comes against the backdrop of emails released last month by the US Department of Justice, which included communications between the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the foundation’s staff.
The documents indicate Gates and Epstein met repeatedly after Epstein's prison term to discuss expanding Gates' philanthropic efforts. Gates has said the relationship was confined to philanthropy-related discussions and that it was a mistake for him to meet with Epstein.
The Gates Foundation, the philanthropic organisation started by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his then-wife in 2000, is one of the world's biggest funders of global health initiatives. Bill Gates is chair and board member of the foundation. — with Agencies
