Bill Gates praises India’s success in health, tech, and AI ahead of visit

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates announced on LinkedIn that he will be traveling to India for the third time in three years, emphasising the country’s role as a global leader in healthcare, agriculture, and digital transformation. His visit coincides with a historic meeting of the Gates Foundation’s Board of Trustees in the Global South for the first time.

Gates Foundation’s engagement in India

Bill Gates highlighted that the Gates Foundation has worked in India for over two decades, collaborating with the government, researchers, and entrepreneurs to drive progress in key sectors.

“This visit will also be significant because—as we mark our 25th anniversary—the Gates Foundation’s Board of Trustees is meeting in the Global South for the first time. India is the right place for this milestone,” he stated.

He pointed to India’s major health initiatives, including polio eradication, HIV prevention, tuberculosis elimination, and childhood immunization.

Public health successes: From polio to tuberculosis

Gates praised India’s success in eradicating polio, recalling his 2011 visit when the country recorded its last polio case. He also credited India’s Avahan HIV prevention program, which pioneered community-led approaches that were later integrated into the government’s health strategy.

Now, Gates sees India at the forefront of tuberculosis (TB) elimination, thanks to investments in new diagnostics, AI-powered detection tools, and improved treatment strategies.

“The country has the world’s highest TB burden, but its investment in new diagnostics, AI-powered detection tools, and improved treatment strategies is accelerating progress toward elimination,” he said.

He also noted India’s role in vaccine manufacturing and the development of low-cost diagnostics, including a saliva-based TB test priced under $2 that could have a global impact.

India’s digital revolution and AI-powered transformation

Gates highlighted India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI), including Aadhaar and digital payments, which have improved access to banking, healthcare, and government services.

“India is using AI-powered DPI tools to help rural health workers improve early disease detection, optimize pregnancy care, and manage patient data more effectively,” he explained.

He also pointed to the growing use of AI in agriculture, which is helping farmers predict weather patterns, choose crops, and reduce disease risks.

India’s innovations have a global impact

Gates emphasised that India’s progress extends beyond its borders, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged during India’s G20 Presidency to share the country’s innovations globally.

“The solutions being developed there, from vaccine manufacturing to AI-powered diagnostics, are being shared with the world. Indian companies are making TB tests that could be game-changing across Africa. They’re developing AI models that could help farmers across Asia. And they’re proving that digital technology can make healthcare work better for everyone,” he noted.

Excitement for the upcoming visit

During his trip, Gates said he will meet with government leaders, scientists, and philanthropists shaping India’s development. He expressed excitement about witnessing cutting-edge innovations that have the potential to benefit both India and the world.

“I always leave India inspired. I know this trip will be no different,” Gates concluded.