The India AI Summit 2026, unfolding at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, is capturing global headlines. This conference brings the titans of technology together, with luminaries like Sam Altman from OpenAI and Sundar Pichai from Alphabet Inc. leading the stage. Yet, Bill Gates seems to be the focal point of discussion. Currently in India, Gates' potential attendance at this summit is sparking conversations.
However, the shadows of the Epstein files loom over Gates. Social media is buzzing with debates on whether Gates should be part of this summit.
It should be noted that Gates' name appears in documents related to the Epstein affair, released by the U.S. Justice Department in certain segments.
Epstein claimed in these files to have provided Gates with assistance in procuring drugs, a claim Gates has firmly denied. In an interview with Nine News, he labeled Epstein's assertions as "absolutely ridiculous and utterly false." Epstein has since passed away.
This week, Gates arrived in India, warmly welcomed by Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Gates' reception, however, faced criticism from some political figures and social media users, who cited the documents involving Epstein and accused him of treating India as a 'lab' for his products.
Participation in the AI Summit: Yes or No?
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi voiced that if India aspires to lead in AI and tech spaces, it must excel in ethical leadership too. She was concerned about promoting Gates as a global visionary and giving him a platform at the AI Summit. She emphasized her point strongly and is pleased that @GoI_MeitY has ensured that he isn't part of the summit. The message is clear: there's no compromise on what India is building and it must be led with the same ethical conviction and dignity.
Initial reports on Tuesday suggested that Gates might skip the AI summit in India, but later the Gates Foundation of India stated that he will indeed participate and deliver his address. The statement highlighted that India is a "global leader in Artificial Intelligence," boasting one of the largest AI talent pools, quickly being adopted across sectors.
Source: aajtak
Priyanka Chaturvedi Expresses Displeasure
Following the Gates Foundation's statement, Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi noted the spokesperson's comment confirming Bill Gates' keynote speech at the AI summit. If true, she remarked, it's a shameful situation. Is this how change is envisioned?
World-renowned for revolutionizing the personal computing space, Microsoft's Chairman, Bill Gates, stepped down in 2014 but continues to lead philanthropic efforts through the Gates Foundation.
