The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: Bill Gates will not deliver his scheduled keynote address at the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation India announced on Thursday.
The announcement was made through the foundation’s official social media handle, stating that after careful consideration, Gates would not be speaking at the summit in order to keep the focus on the event’s core priorities.
The foundation confirmed that it will instead be represented by Ankur Vora, President of its Africa and India Offices, who is set to address the summit later in the day.
Reiterating its commitment to India, the foundation said it remains fully dedicated to advancing shared health and development goals in partnership with stakeholders across the country.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, currently underway in New Delhi, has brought together global leaders in artificial intelligence, technology, and public policy. The event aims to showcase India’s leadership in promoting responsible and inclusive AI development while strengthening international collaboration.
The summit, being held from February 16 to 20, is structured around three key pillars—People, Planet, and Progress—described as its foundational “Sutras.” It features participation from multiple countries and global institutions, reflecting India’s emphasis on multilateral cooperation and the use of AI to address global challenges and drive inclusive growth.
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as part of the summit’s proceedings.
