Tech Icon Withdraws Hours Before Keynote Address
Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates abruptly withdrew from a keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, just hours before he was due to speak, as his name resurfaced in newly released files connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The decision sent shockwaves through the global technology community and overshadowed India’s bid to host a major international forum on artificial intelligence.
The Gates Foundation issued a statement on Thursday saying that Gates would no longer deliver his scheduled speech “to ensure the focus remains on the summit’s key priorities,” and that Ankur Vora, president of the foundation’s Africa and India offices, would represent the organisation instead.
Controversy Rooted in Epstein Files and Public Scrutiny
Gates’ withdrawal comes against the backdrop of heightened attention to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. Newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, known as the “Epstein files,” included communications that referenced Gates, sparking renewed scrutiny and public discussion.
Although there are no allegations of criminal wrongdoing against Gates relating to Epstein’s activities, and mere mention in the files does not imply legal culpability, critics and commentators noted embarrassment and reputational risk given the sensitive and high-profile nature of the summit. Gates has publicly described his interactions with Epstein as a mistake and “regretted” knowing him, emphasising that their meetings were discussed in the context of philanthropy and global health efforts.
Summit Disruptions: A Blow to India’s Global AI Agenda
The India AI Impact Summit — billed as the first major global AI forum in the Global South — is intended to convene policymakers, tech leaders and civil society to shape the future of artificial intelligence governance, equitable access and innovation. Speakers at the summit continue to include notable figures such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.
Gates’ absence, however, delivered a symbolic setback to the event’s momentum. It arrived amid organisational challenges — including traffic snarls, unexpected venue closures and delegate complaints — that have prompted both domestic and international commentators to question logistical planning for what is being framed as a showcase of India’s leadership role in the AI landscape.
Foundation’s Message and Continued Commitment
Despite his withdrawal, the Gates Foundation underscored its continued dedication to its work in India, particularly in areas of health and development where its initiatives have been active for years. The foundation reiterated that its decision was made with the summit’s broader mission in mind and would not diminish ongoing collaboration with Indian partners.
Representatives emphasised that Gates’ absence was not a cancellation of participation outright, but rather a reallocation of representation to allow the summit’s policy agenda to proceed without distraction.
Political and Public Reactions to the Withdrawal
Reactions to Gates’ withdrawal were mixed. Some observers argued the decision was prudent given the sensitive political optics surrounding the Epstein file revelations, while others questioned why Gates was scheduled to speak in the first place amid the controversy. Critics online noted that lingering questions around his ties to Epstein — regardless of legal implications — risked diverting attention from substantive discussions about AI’s ethical and social impacts.
The episode has also reignited debate about the role of tech billionaires in global policymaking spaces, particularly when personal reputational controversies intersect with public policy forums. In this context, the summit’s organisers and governments participating have sought to downplay the incident, refocusing media attention on AI safety, governance frameworks and equitable technology access.
Broader Implications for Global AI Collaboration
Gates’ exit from the summit underscores the growing pains of international AI dialogue, as technologists, policymakers and civil society converge to navigate complex ethical, economic and political challenges posed by rapid AI adoption. The India AI Impact Summit is designed to amplify perspectives from emerging economies and the Global South, a backdrop that makes the dynamics around Gates’ participation particularly salient.
While the summit will continue without him, the incident highlights how reputational issues can ripple into high-stakes diplomatic and technological gatherings. It also raises questions about how future AI summits will balance star power with substantive policy engagement and inclusivity.
Looking Ahead: Summit Outcomes and Next Steps
As the India AI Impact Summit progresses through its remaining sessions, participants are expected to finalise discussions on AI ethics, regulatory frameworks, investment in infrastructure and equitable access to technology. Despite the controversy, India continues to affirm its ambition to be a central node in global AI strategy, using the summit to showcase both public and private sector commitments.
Whether Gates’ withdrawal will have lasting effects on international cooperation or future summit planning remains to be seen, but for now it has punctuated a high-profile event with a reminder of how personal and public narratives can intersect on the global stage of technology and governance.
