NEW DELHI, February 19, 2026 — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global tech community, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has officially pulled out of his much-anticipated keynote speech at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Bill Gates AI Summit Skip: What Happened Today
The India AI Impact Summit kicked off its key days at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, drawing leaders from over 30 countries. Bill Gates was set to give a keynote talk on Thursday, but hours before, the Gates Foundation posted on X that he won't speak. Instead, Ankur Vora, who leads their offices in Africa and India, took the stage. This came after days of back-and-forth rumors—first saying he might skip, then confirming he would, and now this last-minute change.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the event this morning, talking about how AI can help build a stronger India. Other big names like Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI's Sam Altman, and French President Emmanuel Macron are there too. Gates' no-show made headlines, but the summit went on with panels on AI for health, farming, and cities.
Gates Foundation Real Reason for Bill Gates Absence
The foundation's words were clear: "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." They stressed their strong ties with India for health and growth projects. No other details, but whispers link it to fresh Epstein files buzz, where Gates' old ties came up again. The foundation didn't mention that, sticking to the focus line.
Gates landed in India earlier this week, meeting Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and others to launch foundation-backed projects. He was in the country, so travel wasn't the issue. This skip lets Vora shine on the foundation's AI work in India, like using tech for better farming and schools.
Timeline of Bill Gates India AI Summit Drama Jan-Feb 2026
Confusion started mid-February. On Feb 16, reports said Gates might not come; foundation denied it fast, saying he'd speak. His name vanished from the website, sparking more talk. By Feb 18, they confirmed the skip. Today, Feb 19, Vora spoke as planned. Back in January 2026, Gates was active in India talks, praising the country's AI push under Modi. No Jan events tied to this, but his foundation ramped up AI-health projects then.
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Who is Replacing Bill Gates at the Summit?
The Gates Foundation isn't leaving the event entirely. Ankur Vora, the President of Africa and India Offices for the foundation, will step in to represent the organization. Vora is expected to discuss how AI can be used to solve "real-world" problems like farming, education, and medicine in developing countries.
Despite Gates' absence from the podium, the foundation reiterated that they remain "fully committed" to their work in India.
Who is Ankur Vora? Replacing Bill Gates at AI Summit
Ankur Vora heads Gates Foundation's Africa and India work. He's shared stories on AI helping farmers spot crop diseases early or doctors in villages get fast advice. At the summit, he likely covered how the foundation teams up with Indian startups for real-world AI wins. Vora's speech keeps the foundation's voice strong without Gates. His role shows the group trusts local leaders for big stages.
Why This Matters for the AI World
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is one of the biggest tech events of the decade. With leaders like Sundar Pichai (Google), Sam Altman (OpenAI), and Narendra Modi in attendance, the goal is to make AI helpful for everyone, not just rich countries.
Bill Gates has been a huge cheerleader for AI, calling it the most important invention since the internet. His absence is a blow to the event’s "star power," but organizers are hopeful that the focus will now shift back to the actual technology rather than billionaire gossip.
ÚLTIMA HORA Bill Gates ha cancelado su discurso previsto para el jueves en una importante cumbre sobre inteligencia artificial en la India, según ha informado la Fundación Gates, después de que el fundador de Microsoft fuera mencionado en los archivos Epstein. https://t.co/BiQgjY6XV3
— Sonia Alvarez 🇵🇪🇺🇸🇦🇷🇧la voz del Mundo (@Sonia38415940) February 19, 2026
Bill Gates and the "Horizon 1000" Initiative
Even though he skipped the speech, Gates' impact on AI is still being felt. Earlier in January 2026, his foundation launched a massive project to use AI to help doctors in remote areas. This shows that while the man might be staying out of the spotlight today, his money and ideas are still very much involved in the AI revolution.
Future of AI Governance Post Gates Skip
Summit pushes global rules—like data sharing without spies. India leads with "AI for Good." Gates' absence? Maybe shifts focus to fresh voices like Vora. Expect deals on AI ethics pacts.
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