New Delhi, India — February 19, 2026
Bill Gates will no longer deliver the keynote address at the AI Vision at India AI Impact Summit 2026, according to an official statement from the India office of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The foundation said the decision was made after careful consideration to ensure continued focus on the summit’s central priorities and agenda.
Foundation Statement Clarifies Decision
Organizers confirmed that Gates will not attend the event. The foundation emphasized that the change was logistical and program-related, and that its participation in the summit remains unchanged.
No alternative reason for the withdrawal was provided in the official communication.
Ankur Vora to Speak Instead
The foundation announced that Ankur Vora, President overseeing its Africa and India offices, will address the summit later in the program as the organization’s representative.
No Official Link to Speculation
Online speculation has circulated attempting to connect Gates’ schedule change to unrelated topics involving Jeffrey Epstein. However, no official statement from the foundation or summit organizers has indicated any such connection.
As of now, the only confirmed reason provided is the foundation’s intent to maintain alignment with the event’s priorities.
Summit Continues as Scheduled
The AI Impact Summit is proceeding with its planned sessions, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss artificial intelligence innovation, governance, and global collaboration.
