New Delhi – OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is gearing up for a landmark investment in India with plans to set up one of the country’s most powerful artificial intelligence data centres. The facility, expected to boast a capacity of at least 1 gigawatt, could mark a significant leap in India’s growing AI infrastructure race.
According to reports, OpenAI has already initiated early discussions with potential local partners to bring the project to life. While the exact location and timeline remain undecided, insiders suggest that CEO Sam Altman may unveil more details during his upcoming visit to India later this month. The company has so far refrained from making an official statement on the development.
Strengthening India’s AI Ecosystem
The move comes at a time when global giants like Microsoft, Google, and Reliance are ramping up their digital infrastructure presence in India. By establishing a large-scale facility locally, OpenAI could deliver faster, more tailored AI services while addressing concerns around sensitive data being stored overseas.
This initiative also aligns closely with the Indian government’s $1.2 billion IndiaAI Mission, which focuses on developing indigenous large language models and enhancing the country’s AI capabilities. OpenAI’s expanding footprint includes its New Delhi office and a recently launched $5 monthly ChatGPT plan tailored for Indian users.
A Piece of the Global “Stargate” Vision
Globally, OpenAI has been investing billions in its ambitious Stargate project—a network of massive AI data centres designed to rival the world’s largest computing hubs. In the US, it has partnered with Oracle and SoftBank to build facilities with a combined capacity of over 4.5 gigawatts. Similar large-scale projects are underway in Norway and Abu Dhabi, although the UAE venture has triggered geopolitical debates over AI chip exports.
For India, the outlook appears more favorable. Unlike certain markets facing restrictions on AI chip supplies, Washington recently confirmed that export controls would not apply to India. This exemption could give OpenAI and other players a crucial advantage in accelerating AI adoption across the country.
Strategic Importance for OpenAI
India has quickly emerged as one of OpenAI’s most important growth markets—both for its vast user base and as a strategic partner in the global AI race. The planned 1 GW facility would not only power faster AI services for millions of Indian users but also help build trust with regulators and policymakers as AI becomes central to digital transformation.
As Altman’s visit approaches, industry watchers are keeping a close eye on whether OpenAI will officially announce its bold India expansion—one that could redefine the country’s role in the global AI infrastructure landscape.
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