Epstein’s shadow: Why Bill Gates pulled out of Modi’s AI summit

Bill Gates cancelled his keynote speech at India's AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi just hours before he was scheduled to speak. The Gates Foundation cited the need to keep the focus on the summit's priorities as the reason for his withdrawal. The summit, intended to showcase India's AI ambitions and attract investment, was also attended by figures like French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Gates's participation had drawn scrutiny due to renewed attention on his past association with Jeffrey Epstein following the release of emails in the Epstein files. The summit also faced controversy when an Indian university presented a Chinese robot as its own.

Bill Gates has withdrawn from delivering the keynote address at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on Thursday. The Gates Foundation cited a need to keep the focus on the summit's priorities as the reason for his withdrawal, following his mention in the Epstein files. The summit, featuring Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and tech CEOs, will address the opportunities and threats of artificial intelligence. The Gates Foundation's president of Africa and India offices will speak in his place. The Gates Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to its work in India. Gates recently expressed regret for his association with Jeffrey Epstein.

World leaders, including UN chief Antonio Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron, convened in New Delhi for a global AI summit on February 19, 2026. This is the fourth international AI meeting since 2023, following events in France, South Korea, and the UK. Discussions centered on job disruption, child safety, and AI regulations. Guterres cautioned against leaving AI's future to a small group of wealthy individuals and advocated for a $3 billion global fund to ensure open access. Macron emphasized the importance of shaping AI regulations with allies like India. Bill Gates withdrew from the summit shortly before his scheduled appearance.