Bill Gates and Narendra Modi: A Complicated Partnership Amidst Controversies

Bill Gates' ongoing relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi raises concerns about the implications for human rights in India, as their partnership continues despite criticism from Nobel laureates and activists.

In September 2019, during the United Nations General Assembly, Bill Gates honored Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an award from the Gates Foundation, recognizing his efforts to enhance sanitation across India. The move sparked a significant backlash, as three Nobel Peace Prize winners wrote to Gates expressing their discontent, asserting that Modi's record on democracy and human rights had deteriorated under his governance. They cautioned that such accolades conflicted with the foundation’s mission to protect and promote equity and life.

Despite the criticism, Gates and Modi cultivated a strong and visible relationship over the last decade. They have met multiple times, with Gates consistently praising Modi's leadership. Notably, just before national elections last year, Gates participated in a televised interview with Modi, allowing the Prime Minister to showcase his image as a leader embracing technology.

Observers and critics suggest this collaboration offers both men significant advantages. Gates is set to embark on his third visit to India in as many years, planning to meet government officials and explore the nation's advancements. In a recent post on GatesNotes, his personal blog, he expressed enthusiasm for assessing India's progress and future initiatives, saying, “This trip will give me a chance to see what’s working, what’s changing and what’s next—for India and the foundation.”

As both leaders continue to navigate this intertwined relationship, questions remain about the ethical implications and potential neglect of pressing human rights issues in India.