Bill Gates meets JP Nadda in Parliament, discusses healthcare progress and future collaboration

NEW DELHI: Bill Gates, former Microsoft CEO and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, met Union minister JP Nadda in the Parliament on Wednesday, discussing India's significant advancements in healthcare and future collaborations between the foundation and the country.

As per Nadda, the discussion covered key areas such as maternal health, immunisation, and sanitation.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Met with Mr Bill Gates, founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, during his visit to India today. We discussed the remarkable progress India has achieved in healthcare, particularly in maternal health, immunisation, and sanitation, through our collaboration with the Foundation. I acknowledged the Foundation’s valuable support in strengthening health systems and driving impactful initiatives.”

Nadda also confirmed that both sides looked forward to renewing their Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to ensure affordable and quality healthcare for all Indians. Gates acknowledged India’s efforts in reducing medical costs and providing accessible healthcare solutions globally. According to Nadda’s office, Gates “lauded the work done by India in reducing the costs of diagnostics and medicines, enabling affordable health services across the world.”
Gates, who is on his India’s third visit in three years, also met Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who hosted him for a breakfast meeting. Puri shared insights from their conversation, stating on X, “I always look forward to my meetings with Mr @BillGates for the inspiration and optimism he brings. We discussed how the @_DigitalIndia initiative spurred by PM @narendramodi Ji has empowered citizens and improved convenience and dignity in people’s lives, especially for women.”

Earlier, Gates also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and spoke about India’s leadership in innovation.
He wrote on X, “I had a great discussion with @narendramodi about India’s development, the path to Viksit Bharat @ 2047, and exciting advancements in health, agriculture, AI, and other sectors that are creating impact today.”

Earlier today, Gates spoke about India’s achievements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the “Future Forward” event in New Delhi.
He said that India’s AI leadership would drive global innovation, much like Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). He confirmed that the Gates Foundation is working with India on AI-driven solutions in healthcare, agriculture, education, and climate resilience.
Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also confirmed that the India AI Mission and the Gates Foundation would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to harness AI for social benefits. In a post on X, he wrote, “AI solutions for better crops, stronger healthcare, smarter education & climate resilience—MoU soon between India AI Mission & @gatesfoundation.”

During the event, Gates praised India’s vaccine production capabilities, stating, “Without Indian innovation, vaccines wouldn’t be as affordable or accessible.” He recognised the contribution of companies like the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech in making life-saving vaccines available worldwide.