Bill Gates pulled out of India’s AI Impact Summit just hours before his scheduled keynote address on Thursday, dealing a fresh setback to a flagship technology event already facing criticism over organisational lapses and logistical challenges.
In a statement, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said the billionaire philanthropist would not deliver his speech “to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit’s key priorities.”
The cancellation came despite the foundation previously dismissing speculation about his absence and confirming he was expected to attend.
The high-profile summit, billed as the first major artificial intelligence forum in the Global South, is part of India’s broader effort to position itself as a leading voice in global AI governance.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the gathering, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, and Dario Amodei.
Gates’ withdrawal follows another high-profile cancellation by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, compounding concerns over the summit’s troubled start.
The event has been marred by complaints from delegates over traffic disruptions, a reported robotics demonstration mishap, and broader concerns about planning and coordination.
The cancellation also comes weeks after the U.S. Department of Justice released emails referencing communication between the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and staff at the Gates Foundation.
The documents suggested that Gates met Epstein multiple times after Epstein’s prison term to discuss philanthropic initiatives. Gates has previously stated that the meetings were strictly related to philanthropy and acknowledged that it was a mistake to meet him.
Founded in 2000 by Gates and his then-wife, the Gates Foundation is one of the world’s largest funders of global health and development programmes.
Meanwhile, India’s inaugural AI summit has struggled to capture headlines for technological breakthroughs, with controversy overshadowing product showcases.
In a surprise move, organisers shut exhibition halls to the public on Thursday, sparking further frustration among attendees who described the decision as poorly communicated.
Despite the setbacks, Indian authorities maintain that the summit represents a significant step in shaping the future of artificial intelligence governance in emerging economies.
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