Gates was originally expected to speak on the fourth day of the summit. However, in an official statement, the foundation said the decision was made after careful consideration to ensure the summit remains focused on its core priorities. “Mr. Gates will not be delivering his keynote address. The Gates Foundation will instead be represented by Ankur Vora, President of Africa and India Offices, who will speak later today at the summit,” the statement said.
The foundation reiterated its ongoing commitment to India, stating that it remains dedicated to advancing shared health and development goals in the country.
Earlier reports had suggested that Gates would skip the summit during his India visit, but the foundation had initially denied those claims and maintained that he would deliver the keynote as planned.
Gates arrived in India earlier this week and visited Andhra Pradesh, where he met Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, and other senior officials. During the visit, he participated in the inauguration of several development projects supported by the Gates Foundation in the state.
