New Delhi, 19 February (H.S.): Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will not deliver his scheduled keynote address at the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 here, with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announcing on Thursday, that Ankur Vora, President of its Africa and India offices, will represent the organization instead.

Foundation's Official Statement

In a post on X from its India account (@BMGFIndia), the Gates Foundation stated, 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. It added that Vora will speak later today at the Summit, reaffirming the foundation's full commitment to advancing shared health and development goals in India.

Speculation Over Epstein Documents

The last-minute decision comes amid reports linking Gates' withdrawal to his name appearing in recently unsealed confidential documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, the late U.S. financier accused of serious sex crimes and trafficking minors. Speculation intensified as the summit, running from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam and inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizes responsible AI amid global scrutiny. The foundation described the move as deliberate to prioritize event objectives, without directly addressing the Epstein controversy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar