17 billion citizens for which a new authority has been formed under Infosys Technologies co-founder Nandan Nilekani.

'Microsoft wants to be part of the Unique Identification Authority of India project,' he said, adding that he hoped to meet with Nilekani to discuss the issue.

'I am very excited about the project. It is a great initiative. We need to make sure every data is accurate. From a mobile phone number to anything,' Gates told the conference, also addressed by Minister for State for Communications Sachin Pilot.

During his current visit, Gates announced a major increase in his foundation's AIDS prevention commitment to India to $338 million, saying India's drive in this regard could serve as a model for the rest of the world.

Launched in 2003, his family foundation provides funding and support to targeted HIV prevention programmes in six Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, and along the national trucking routes through an initiative called 'Avahan'.

Prior to this, the foundation had committed a total of $258 million for the purpose.

Gates, who has always maintained a packed schedule during his visits to India, was also scheduled to meet with Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and hold a videoconference with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Another reason behind the current visit is to receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development on behalf of his foundation, being recognised for 'pioneering and exemplary philanthropic work around the world and in India in health'.

As of July, the foundation has committed nearly $1 billion for health and development projects in India. Globally, it has committed nearly $12 billion in grants for global health, the foundation claimed in a statement.