New Delhi — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has pulled out of his scheduled keynote at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, according to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The foundation issued the statement Thursday morning on X, confirming Gates would not address the gathering. Ankur Vora, who oversees its operations in Africa and India, steps in to represent the organization later Thursday.

“After careful consideration, and to ensure the focus remains on the AI Summit’s key priorities, Mr Gates will not be delivering his keynote address,” the foundation posted.

The announcement follows days of questions after Gates’ name vanished from the summit’s official participant list. Speculation had swirled since then. Organizers had listed him prominently before. The foundation did not elaborate on his decision.

The Gates Foundation stressed its dedication to India projects. “The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals,” it said.

Timing drew notice. Gates’ name surfaced recently in files tied to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier. No direct link emerged to the summit withdrawal. The foundation made no mention of that matter.

The India AI Impact Summit runs six days in New Delhi. It pulls in global leaders, policymakers and tech experts. Discussions target AI’s role in economic growth, better governance and social progress.

Organizers frame the event around India’s ethos of ‘Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya’ — welfare and happiness for all. The summit pushes ‘AI for Humanity,’ blending innovation with responsible rules and cross-border ties.

This marks the fourth edition. Past meetings took place in the United Kingdom in 2023, South Korea in 2024 and France in 2025. Leaders there weighed AI’s ethical, economic and social effects. They also built links in digital tech, trade, culture, tourism and maritime areas.

Vora’s talk comes amid packed sessions. The summit aims to craft strategies for AI’s safe rollout worldwide, with India at the center.