Bill Gates abruptly canceled his keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Thursday, February 19, 2026, according to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation stated the decision was made “after careful consideration, and to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit’s key priorities.”
This marks the latest setback for an event already overshadowed by logistical problems and high-profile no-shows.
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The summit, a flagship initiative to boost India’s global AI standing, opened amid pledges of massive investments in data centers and infrastructure.
Summit Highlights and Issues
Billed as a premier AI gathering in the Global South, the event includes sessions on governance, ethics, and innovation, with participation from world leaders and tech CEOs. However, it has drawn criticism for poor organization—traffic disruptions, long attendee queues, VIP-priority roadblocks, and restricted access—prompting complaints from participants and opposition political attacks on the government’s management.
Earlier, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang also withdrew, compounding the challenges.
Background on Cancellation
Gates’ absence follows recent media focus on his historical ties to Jeffrey Epstein, based on released U.S. documents showing limited philanthropy-related communications. Gates has denied deeper involvement and called the association regrettable. While the foundation’s explanation centers on maintaining event focus, speculation links the timing to avoiding controversy.
The Gates Foundation’s regional president is stepping in to represent its interests, emphasizing continued engagement in India’s development sectors.
Ongoing Momentum
Despite setbacks, the summit advances India’s AI ambitions, with Modi stressing vigilance on child safety in AI and commitments driving economic growth in the sector.