In September 2019, Bill Gates awarded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi an accolade from the Gates Foundation for his efforts in improving sanitation. This recognition sparked significant backlash.
Three Nobel Peace Prize laureates expressed their disapproval in a letter to Gates, arguing that Modi did not merit the award due to the erosion of democratic and human rights during his tenure. They highlighted the contradiction between the foundation's mission to preserve life and fight inequity and the current political climate in India.
Despite the criticism, Gates and Modi have maintained a close relationship over the past decade, meeting frequently and engaging in public discussions. Gates has consistently praised Modi, including during a televised interview prior to a national election, which Modi leveraged to enhance his image as a tech-savvy leader.
Gates is scheduled to visit India soon, marking his third trip in three years. He aims to engage with government officials and assess India's innovations and progress. Gates noted on his blog that the visit would provide insights into the foundation's future initiatives in India.
India plays a crucial role in Gates's philanthropic efforts, making it essential for the Gates Foundation to maintain a positive rapport with the Indian government, which has imposed restrictions on foreign-funded organizations. With a significant portion of the Indian population living in poverty, progress in India is vital for achieving global development goals.
The Gates Foundation's access to India is increasingly important, especially following the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development. The foundation is a leading donor to the WHO, which supports various public health initiatives in India.
For Modi, Gates's endorsement serves to connect the technological legacy of Gates with the digital economy promoted by his government, a key aspect of Modi's "Developed India" agenda. Gates's belief in innovation aligns with Modi's vision for leveraging technology for economic growth.
The relationship between Gates and Modi has garnered attention from political and business leaders globally, many of whom overlook the Modi government's controversial policies, including its treatment of religious minorities and restrictions on civil society.
Gates's recognition of Modi highlights his development initiatives while diverting focus from his Hindu nationalist politics. Domestically, this relationship may enhance Modi's appeal among the tech-savvy Indian middle class, who view Gates as an iconic figure.
Gates's ties to India are deep-rooted, with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, an Indian national, announcing significant investments in the country. The Gates Foundation has been active in India since 2003, focusing on public health initiatives and collaborating with various Indian governments.
Gates's initial meeting with Modi in 2014 was marked by a shared interest in public health, particularly sanitation. Modi's government has launched initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), which aimed to construct millions of toilets, the basis for the award that drew criticism.
During his 2023 visit, Gates highlighted his meeting with Modi as a key moment, praising India's advancements in digital payments. However, some foundation employees expressed concerns about Gates's strong support for Modi, suggesting that the foundation could achieve its goals without overtly endorsing the prime minister.
Modi has reciprocated Gates's praise, emphasizing the foundation's valuable expertise. In 2020, during a virtual meeting, Modi urged the foundation to lead in analyzing necessary changes in healthcare and education post-COVID.
In March, shortly before an election where Modi sought a third term, he invited Gates to discuss India's technological progress. Although the meeting was intended for national television, the Election Commission intervened, limiting its broadcast due to concerns of unfair electoral advantage.
India has historically depended on foreign donations to support its development goals. However, the Modi government has increasingly restricted foreign funding, leading many organizations to adjust their activities to align with government objectives.
Following Modi's election in 2014, the government initiated a crackdown on foreign organizations, impacting groups like Greenpeace and the Public Health Foundation of India, which had received significant funding from the Gates Foundation.
The Gates Foundation has reiterated its commitment to assisting the Indian government in achieving its goals, focusing on areas such as public health, financial services for the poor, and climate change, while maintaining that its award to Modi was specifically related to sanitation efforts.