Bill Gates To Address India AI Summit

Gates Foundation confirms keynote appearance amid Epstein file references

February 17, 2026: The Gates Foundation on Tuesday confirmed that its co-founder Bill Gates will deliver the keynote address at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on February 19, as per schedule. The clarification comes amid reports that the government was reviewing his invitation following references to Gates in documents linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the speculation, Gates continues to be listed as the keynote speaker in the summit’s official programme.

The controversy stems from previously classified files released by the United States Department of Justice, which mention several prominent figures, including business leaders and public personalities. Among those referenced was Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide in a New York jail in August 2019. Documents made public in January included allegations by Epstein concerning Gates’ personal life, though there is no indication of criminal charges against Gates in connection with the matter.

Addressing the issue last week in an interview with 9News, Gates expressed regret over his past meetings with Epstein, saying, “Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologise.” Meanwhile, Puri told NDTV that he met Epstein only a few times as part of official delegations and exchanged just one email with him. Responding to calls from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi seeking his resignation, Puri denied any wrongdoing and said details about Epstein’s conduct emerged years later.