PM Modi hails 'excellent meeting' with Bill Gates on Viksit Bharat 2047, AI

NEW DELHI: Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to discuss a range of topics, including artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, and agriculture. Their conversation focused on India's technological advancements and its vision for development by 2047.
Gates took to X, acknowledging India’s progress in various sectors. "I had a great discussion 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. It's impressive to see how innovation in India is driving progress locally—and globally," Gates said.
PM Modi responded to Bill Gates' post on X, calling their meeting "excellent" and highlighting their discussions on technology, innovation, and sustainability.
"Always a delight to meet you, Bill Gates! Our discussions on innovation, sustainability, and the path to Viksit Bharat 2047 were enriching. India is committed to leveraging technology for a better future for all," PM Modi posted.

Meetings with key leaders
During his visit to India, Gates also engaged with several senior leaders. He met Union Health Minister J P Nadda to review the collaboration between the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Indian government in strengthening healthcare systems. Nadda noted that India had made significant progress in maternal health, immunisation, and sanitation with the foundation’s support.
"We look forward to renewing our memorandum of cooperation, furthering our shared commitment to ensuring affordable, accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens," Nadda said on X.

Gates also met Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu, where they explored how AI and predictive analytics could enhance service delivery in healthcare, education, and agriculture. Naidu expressed confidence that the Gates Foundation’s support would help realise the state's long-term development goal, ‘Swarna Andhra Pradesh 2047.’

Furthermore, Gates also met Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw. Vaishnaw said on X, "AI solutions for better crops, stronger healthcare, smarter education & climate resilience—MoU soon between India AI Mission & Gates Foundation."

Additionally, Gates visited Parliament, where the Budget Session was in progress.
Earlier in the week, Gates met Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan to discuss AI and machine learning applications in agriculture, as well as food security and rural development. The Gates Foundation has been working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and new areas of cooperation are being planned.