Bill Gates Withdraws from India AI Impact Summit Amid Organisational Controversy
Bill Gates canceled his appearance at India’s AI Impact Summit just hours before he was scheduled to deliver the keynote address on Thursday. His withdrawal dealt another setback to the high-profile event, which has already faced criticism over organisational lapses, logistical issues, and public controversy.
Gates’ absence was followed by another major cancellation from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, compounding concerns over the summit’s management. The event had been promoted as the first major artificial intelligence forum in the Global South, with India aiming to position itself as a leading voice in global AI governance.
The Gates Foundation stated that the billionaire would not attend in order to keep attention on the summit’s core priorities. Earlier in the week, the foundation had dismissed speculation about his absence and confirmed his participation.
Global AI Leaders Attend Despite Disruptions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei.
In his remarks, Modi emphasized the importance of child safety in the age of artificial intelligence. He called for stronger safeguards on AI platforms, comparing them to carefully curated school curricula designed to protect children and families.
A stage appearance featuring leading AI executives drew attention online, particularly when rival executives Altman and Amodei stood side by side but did not join hands during a group photo, unlike other participants.
Logistical Issues Spark Frustration
India’s first large-scale AI summit has been overshadowed by widespread complaints over planning and execution. Attendees reported confusion, limited access to exhibition halls, and sudden closures that left companies frustrated after investing in booths and displays.
In one incident, Indian university Galgotias was asked to remove its exhibit after presenting a commercially available robotic dog manufactured in China as its own innovation. The situation sparked criticism on social media.
Traffic disruptions further intensified frustration. Authorities repeatedly closed major roads to accommodate VIP movements, leading to congestion across Delhi, a city of over 20 million residents. Social media footage showed attendees walking long distances due to blocked roads and the absence of shuttle services or taxis.
The Indian government issued an apology for the inconvenience caused during the early days of the summit.
Opposition leaders criticized the administration for mismanaging a global event. Congress party spokesperson Pawan Khera questioned the impact of such disruptions on India’s reputation among entrepreneurs and technology professionals.
Investment Pledges Remain Strong
Despite the controversy, the summit secured significant investment commitments. More than $100 billion in AI-related projects have been pledged so far, including commitments from Adani Group, Microsoft, and data center operator Yotta.
The Indian government expects total AI investment pledges to exceed $200 billion over the next two years. However, analysts have warned that rapid expansion of AI infrastructure could place additional strain on India’s power grid and water resources.
The event highlights both India’s ambition to lead in artificial intelligence and the operational challenges that accompany hosting large-scale global technology forums.
