The world has a lot to learn from India

I say this every time I return from a visit to India: I can’t wait to go back. It’s impossible to leave this country without feeling inspired and full of new ideas.

This trip marked the first time the Gates Foundation ’s Board of Trustees met outside of Seattle, and there was no better place for our board of trustees to meet and celebrate 25 years. It was especially meaningful to meet with our partners in the country, see the programs we’ve supported up close, reflect on our long history of working with India—and look ahead at what’s next. ?

As always, I was blown away by the progress India has made—even in the year since I last visited—especially in its work to advance AI-powered innovation, digital public infrastructure, health, and agricultural development. It’s clear that this country’s impact doesn’t stop at its borders—it extends and improves lives around the world. ?

Here are a few pictures from my visit.

Playing a Cross Between Cricket and Tennis with Sachin Tendulkar?

I played some “Crennis”—why choose one sport when you can play both?—with my friend Sachin Tendulkar to celebrate the Gates Foundation’s new partnership with the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation. We’re hopeful that this collaboration will make a meaningful impact across health, nutrition, and education.

Celebrating the Gates Foundation's 25th Anniversary in New Delhi ?

This year marks the Gates Foundation ’s 25th anniversary, and it was wonderful to celebrate the occasion with our incredible team and partners in India. We reflected on some of the country’s greatest achievements over the past few decades—including expanded healthcare access, stronger agricultural systems, improved sanitation, and increased opportunities for women. The excitement in the room was contagious. ?

Meeting with the PM

It’s always great to sit down and talk with Prime Minister Narendra Modi . We had an engaging discussion about India’s development and plans for the future, including his vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The transformative work happening in India isn’t just improving lives locally—it's driving progress around the world.

Visiting the Indian Council of Medical Research?

I visited the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) , where I learned about groundbreaking innovations in development—including fetal monitoring systems and real-time tuberculosis detection tools.

Meeting with Government Leaders ?

It was an honor to meet with government leaders who are championing programs that advance financial inclusion, clean energy, AI and digital public infrastructure, agri-tech, and public health. Our conversations were inspiring and reinforced my belief in what’s possible when big challenges are matched by even bigger ambitions.

This trip deepened my understanding of how India’s innovations are reshaping not just the country, but the world. It was a reminder of what can happen when leadership, bold ideas, and collaboration come together to improve lives at scale. I’m heading home energized—and eager to see what India makes possible next.

See you next time, India.