Bill Gates has withdrawn from delivering a keynote speech at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The decision came hours before his scheduled address, following increased public attention and renewed scrutiny of his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. While Gates is in India, his philanthropic organization, the Gates Foundation, stated the withdrawal was made to "ensure the focus remains on the AI summit’s key priorities."
Timeline and Key Events
Bill Gates was scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi. His presence in India at the time of the summit led to speculation about his attendance.
Pre-Summit Speculation: Media reports began circulating that Gates might withdraw from the summit.
Foundation's Initial Statement: On Tuesday, the Gates Foundation initially stated that Gates would deliver the address as scheduled.
Abrupt Cancellation: Hours before the planned speech, Gates' withdrawal was confirmed by his foundation.
Reason for Withdrawal: The Gates Foundation cited a need "to ensure the focus remains on the AI summit’s key priorities."
Epstein Files Release: The cancellation followed the recent release of U.S. Justice Department documents, including emails detailing communications between Epstein and Gates, and references to Gates' alleged involvement in extramarital affairs.
Public Scrutiny and Association with Epstein
The controversy centers on Bill Gates' past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Recent document releases have intensified scrutiny over Gates' interactions with Epstein.
The released files reportedly contain emails showing coordination between Gates and Epstein on meetings and philanthropic work.
One draft email attributed to Epstein allegedly suggests he helped facilitate extramarital affairs for Gates.
Gates has previously acknowledged that meeting with Epstein was a "serious error in judgment" but has "unequivocally den[ied] any improper conduct related to Epstein."
Summit Proceedings and Replacements
While Bill Gates withdrew, the India AI Impact Summit proceeded with other speakers.
The Gates Foundation announced that Ankur Vora, president of its Africa and India offices, would speak at the summit in Gates' stead.
Other notable figures are attending and speaking at the summit.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering, speaking on topics such as maintaining children's safety on AI platforms.
Foundation's Stance and Future Commitments
The Gates Foundation has reaffirmed its dedication to its work in India.
Read More: Bill Gates Cancels India AI Summit Speech After Epstein Document Release
The foundation stated its continued commitment to advancing "shared health and development goals" in India.
It also noted Gates' ongoing work on establishing an AI hub in Vishakhapatnam, aimed at creating jobs and bringing advanced AI to India.
The decision to withdraw was framed as a measure to maintain the summit's focus on its core objectives, rather than a complete disengagement from India or AI initiatives.
Expert and Official Perspectives
Gates Foundation Statement: "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."
Bill Gates' Acknowledgment (reported): Acknowledges meeting with Epstein was a "serious error in judgment" but denies any improper conduct.
Government Sources (briefed to media): Indicated Gates was not expected to attend the event, suggesting a potential advance understanding of his withdrawal.
Conclusion and Implications
Bill Gates' last-minute withdrawal from the India AI Impact Summit underscores the significant and immediate impact of the resurfaced controversy surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The Gates Foundation's decision to withdraw Gates from the keynote speech, while asserting a desire to keep the focus on AI priorities, suggests an attempt to manage the public relations fallout from the Epstein files. The situation highlights the delicate balance between significant philanthropic and technological endeavors and the enduring scrutiny of past personal associations. The Gates Foundation's commitment to its work in India, including AI initiatives, remains officially stated, but the incident raises questions about the future visibility and reception of Gates' public engagements amid ongoing investigations and public discourse.
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Sources Used:
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c309qv9zglno - Reports on Bill Gates' withdrawal from the India AI summit due to the Epstein files controversy, noting speculation and the Gates Foundation's replacement speaker.
CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/18/india/bill-gates-india-summit-keynote-intl-hnk - Details Gates' cancellation of his keynote address amid scrutiny over his Epstein links, referencing email contents and Gates' denial of improper conduct.
CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/19/amid-epstein-fallout-bill-gates-becomes-point-of-controversy-at-india-ai-summit-.html?msockid=208da28eb07c62e9145eb58bb14f6345 - Frames Gates as a point of controversy at the summit, linking his withdrawal to backlash from past relationship with Epstein and released documents.
USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/02/19/bill-gates-india-ai-summit-epstein-scrutiny/88755523007/ - Reports Gates' pull-out from the summit hours before his speech, connecting it to the release of U.S. Justice Department emails involving Epstein and Gates Foundation staff.
South China Morning Post (SCMP): https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3343971/bill-gates-cancels-india-ai-impact-summit-speech-amid-epstein-storm - Details Gates backing out of the AI summit speech, quoting the Gates Foundation's statement about keeping the focus on summit priorities.
Gulf News: https://www.gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/bill-gates-cancels-india-summit-speech-amid-epstein-controversy-1.500448813 - Confirms Gates' cancellation of his speech at the Indian AI summit due to his naming in the Epstein files, reiterating the foundation's reason for the withdrawal.
