Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 19: Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has withdrawn from the Indian AI Impact Summit, the Gates Foundation India office said on Thursday.

Gates, who was scheduled to deliver the keynote address on February 19, will no longer speak at the summit. The foundation clarified that the decision was taken after “careful consideration” to ensure that the focus remains on the event’s key priorities.

“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. The Gates Foundation will be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the Summit,” the statement said.

Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices at the foundation, will address the gathering in his place.

“The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals,” the statement added.

Gates had arrived in India earlier this week and met N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, during his visit.

No further details were provided regarding the reason for the withdrawal.