New Delhi — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has withdrawn from his keynote slot at the IndiaAI Impact Summit 2026, according to a statement from the Gates Foundation India released Thursday.

The foundation said Gates stepped back after careful consideration to keep the event’s focus on core priorities. His name vanished from the summit’s key participants list Tuesday morning. Organizers also scrubbed his profile from the official website.

Gates had been slated for a 12-minute address at 11:50 a.m. on Feb. 19 at Bharat Mandapam, alongside other top speakers. The foundation’s statement noted: “The Gates Foundation will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the Summit. The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals.”

Reports earlier pointed to government officials reviewing Gates’ invitation. His name surfaced in U.S. Justice Department records tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Sources described the reassessment as an effort to stand with survivors. The foundation refuted those claims.

The summit runs Feb. 16-20 at Bharat Mandapam. More than 500 global AI leaders, 150 academicians and researchers, and 400 chief technology officers, vice presidents and philanthropists are attending.

Organizers chose the theme ‘Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay,’ which translates to welfare for all and happiness for all. Seven working groups drive the event under three pillars: people, planet and progress. They aim to produce tangible results showing AI’s effects across industries.

The groups tackle these areas: AI for Economic Growth and Social Good; Democratising AI Resources; Inclusion for Social Empowerment; Safe and Trusted AI; Human Capital; Science; and Resilience, Innovation and Efficiency.

Vora’s appearance comes as the summit enters its later stages. French President Emmanuel Macron, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani head Thursday’s lineup, according to live updates.

Gates’ withdrawal caps a week of high-stakes discussions on AI’s role in India. The event draws executives from tech giants, policymakers and philanthropists seeking breakthroughs in equitable AI deployment.

India positions the summit as a platform to showcase its AI ambitions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government pushes the IndiaAI Mission, with billions allocated for computing power, datasets and talent development. Attendees debate how to balance innovation with ethical safeguards.

The Gates Foundation has long partnered with India on health initiatives, including vaccine distribution and disease eradication. Its continued involvement signals no broader rift despite the keynote change.

Epstein’s files, unsealed in recent years, named numerous figures from business, politics and entertainment. Gates has acknowledged past meetings with Epstein but denied deeper ties. The foundation previously called such associations a mistake.