India, Feb. 19 -- Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Thursday skipped the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi even as his Gates Foundation on Wednesday said he would deliver his keynote speech as planned at the event amid public scrutiny he faces over his ties with child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

"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 [Thursday] at the Summit. The Gates Foundation remains fully committed to our work in India to advance our shared health and development goals," said a Gates Foundation statement ...