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New Delhi, February 19, 2026 : Bill Gates withdrew from his scheduled keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Thursday, marking a sudden change in plans just hours before he was expected to take the stage at Bharat Mandapam. The cancellation was confirmed through an official statement from the organization representing his philanthropic interests, which emphasized that the decision was made to ensure the summit’s focus remained on technological and developmental priorities rather than outside controversy.
Gates had arrived in India earlier in the week for meetings in Andhra Pradesh, but his role at the summit was ultimately filled by a senior executive from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The move coincides with renewed public scrutiny following the release of a fresh tranche of documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. These files have reignited debate over Gates’ past interactions with Epstein, prompting social media backlash and calls from some political figures to reassess local partnerships with his charitable initiatives.
Representatives for Gates have previously described the allegations in the newly surfaced documents as false and absurd, stressing that any meetings with Epstein were limited to discussions on philanthropy and global health. Despite Gates’ absence, the summit continues with participation from global leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior technology executives, focusing on the governance and future of artificial intelligence.
The Gates Foundation reiterated its commitment to advancing health and development goals in India, underscoring that its work in the region remains unaffected by the controversy surrounding its founder.
