The relationship between the billionaire philanthropist and the Indian leader helps both men carry out their missions. But it also obscures the erosion of rights under Mr. Modi.
In September 2019, Bill Gates presented Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an award on behalf of his philanthropic organization, the Gates Foundation, for the Indian leader's work on improving sanitation.
There was a noise.
Three Nobel Peace Prize laureates wrote to Mr Gates arguing that Mr Modi, who was presented with the award on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, did not deserve recognition because democratic and human rights had been undermined under his rule. “This is particularly troubling to us because the stated mission of your foundation is to preserve life and fight inequality,” the laureates wrote.
The outrage has not deterred Mr Gates and Mr Modi, who have developed an unusually warm and vocal relationship over the past decade.
They met several times, and Mr. Gates was nothing but complimentary to Mr. Modi. Last year, just before national elections, Mr. Gates sat down with the prime minister for a lengthy televised exchange, which Mr. Modi used to burnish his image as a tech-savvy leader.
The relationship between Mr. Gates and Mr. Modi has benefited both men, according to observers, former foundation employees and critics. Mr. Gates is set to visit India next week, his third in three years, and will meet government leaders and others to discuss India’s innovation and progress.
“This trip will give me a chance to see what’s working, what’s changing, and what’s next for India and the foundation,” Mr. Gates wrote on his personal blog, GatesNotes.
