Technology entrepreneur Bill Gates has withdrawn from delivering the keynote address at an international artificial intelligence summit in New Delhi amid renewed controversy linked to documents referencing the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The decision follows the recent release of investigative materials by the United States Department of Justice in connection with the long-running inquiry into Epstein’s activities. Although Gates has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing, his name appears in certain disclosed documents, prompting media scrutiny and public debate.
In a statement issued on Thursday morning, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation confirmed that Gates would step aside in order to prevent “irrelevant controversy” from overshadowing the summit’s core agenda. The conference is focused on governance frameworks, ethical safeguards, and innovation policy in artificial intelligence. The foundation stated that maintaining the integrity of these discussions was its primary consideration.
Gates will be represented by Ankur Vohra, President for Africa and India operations at the foundation.
Temporary Removal and Reinstatement
Earlier in the week, Gates’ name was briefly removed from the official speakers’ list. Reports indicated that Indian authorities had adopted a cautious stance in light of sensitivities surrounding victims connected to the Epstein case. His name was later reinstated, with officials signalling that the government’s overriding objective was to keep the summit centred on technology policy rather than personal controversies.
Summit Overview
The India Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit is being held for the fourth time. Previous editions took place in the United Kingdom (2023), South Korea (2024), and France (2025). Participation has expanded significantly this year, reflecting growing international interest in AI governance.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host City | New Delhi |
| Participating Countries | More than 20 |
| Chief Executives and Founders | Over 100 |
| AI Experts and Delegates | More than 500 |
Key agenda items include cross-border regulatory coordination, ethical guardrails, public–private partnerships, and risk mitigation strategies. Policymakers, industry leaders, and academic specialists are expected to debate harmonised standards for emerging technologies and mechanisms for responsible innovation.
Context of the Controversy
Epstein died in federal custody in 2019, in what authorities ruled a suicide. Documents released last month include reference to a draft message alleging misconduct in Gates’ personal life. Gates has categorically denied the claims, stating that the message in question was never sent. He has acknowledged meeting Epstein beginning in 2011, describing those interactions as a serious error of judgement. He has further maintained that he never visited Epstein’s private island and was not involved in unlawful activities.
Observers suggest that Gates’ withdrawal was a strategic move designed to insulate the summit from reputational distraction. By stepping aside, organisers aim to preserve focus on substantive policy deliberations at a time when international cooperation on artificial intelligence governance is widely regarded as both urgent and complex.