Bill Gates Pulls Out of India AI Impact Summit Amid Epstein Files Controversy

NEW DELHI — In a move that has sent ripples through the global tech community, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has abruptly withdrawn from his keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The announcement, made on Thursday, February 19, comes just hours before he was scheduled to take the stage at Bharat Mandapam, the venue for India’s flagship artificial intelligence event.

A Sudden Reversal

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation confirmed the decision in an official statement, citing a desire to keep the summit’s focus on its core 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 foundation stated.

The reversal is particularly striking given that only 24 hours earlier, the foundation had dismissed rumors of a cancellation, insisting that Gates would attend as planned. While Gates will remain in India for other philanthropic engagements, his high-profile speaking slot will now be filled by Ankur Vora, the foundation’s President of Africa and India Offices.

The Shadow of the “Epstein Files”

While the official statement did not explicitly mention the reason for the withdrawal, the move coincides with a massive public and political backlash following the recent release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice. These so-called “Epstein files” have brought renewed scrutiny to Gates’ past interactions with the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

Recent revelations included:

• Draft Emails: Documents suggesting Epstein claimed to have facilitated personal favors for Gates, including allegations regarding illicit trysts.
• Health Claims: Unverified and highly controversial claims within the files regarding Gates’ personal life and health during his marriage to Melinda French Gates.
• Public Backlash: Social media in India has been abuzz with criticism, with some protestors and commentators questioning the government’s decision to provide a platform to Gates during such a sensitive legal and ethical controversy.

Gates has consistently and categorically denied any wrongdoing, labeling the claims in the documents as “absolutely absurd and completely false.” He recently told media outlets that his meetings with Epstein were a “mistake” and a source of deep regret.

Impact on the Summit

The India AI Impact Summit was intended to be a showcase of India’s leadership in AI governance for the Global South. The event still features a heavy-hitting lineup, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

However, Gates is not the only high-profile exit; Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also reportedly pulled out due to “unavoidable circumstances,” adding to a sense of organizational turbulence. Despite the absences, PM Modi addressed the summit on Thursday, emphasizing the need for child safety and ethical frameworks in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The Gates Foundation has reiterated that its long-term commitment to India—focusing on health, agriculture, and digital transformation—remains unchanged despite the current controversy.