New Delhi (Web Desk): In an unexpected move, Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and renowned philanthropist, has canceled his planned participation and keynote address at the "India AI Impact Summit" held in New Delhi.
This decision comes at a time when newly released US Department of Justice documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case have reignited public debates surrounding Gates' involvement in past controversies.
In Gates' absence, Ankur Vora, President of the Gates Foundation for Africa and India, will address the summit participants. According to the foundation, this change was made to "maintain focus on the summit's priorities" and ensure that personal controversies do not overshadow the event’s objectives.
A spokesperson for Gates has dismissed allegations of illegal ties with Epstein, calling them baseless and reiterating that Gates has never been involved in any unlawful activities.
The five-day summit, which aims to position India as a global hub for artificial intelligence, sees the participation of delegates from over 100 countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of using AI for the benefit of humanity and accessibility. French President Emmanuel Macron also addressed the summit, highlighting the need for global cooperation in the tech sector.
While administrative challenges and Gates’ withdrawal have affected the summit's start, India views the event as a significant milestone in its technological journey.