Bill Gates withdraws from keynote at India AI Impact Summit

Bill Gates will no longer deliver the keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, adding to a series of setbacks that have overshadowed the high-profile technology event.

In a statement, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said the billionaire philanthropist would not speak “to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit's key priorities”. No further explanation was provided.

The summit has already faced criticism over organisational shortcomings, including technical glitches involving a demonstration robot and complaints from delegates about traffic disruptions linked to VIP movements.

The cancellation follows the recent release of emails by the United States Department of Justice that included correspondence between foundation staff and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

According to the documents, Gates and Epstein met multiple times after Epstein had served a prison sentence, with discussions centred on philanthropic initiatives. Gates has previously stated that his interactions with Epstein were limited to philanthropy-related matters and described the meetings as a mistake.

Founded in 2000 by Gates and his former wife, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is among the world’s largest private funders of global health and development programmes. Gates serves as chair and board member of the organisation.