Union IT and Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran also attended the meeting, during which the software wiz is understood to have discussed, among other things, the company's investment plans in India.

Gates in India: Complete coverage

The media was not even allowed entry past the gates of the hotel, where the meeting took place.

Gates and his wife Melinda Gates later left for the Tamil Nadu Secretariat for a meeting with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.