Microsoft announces $17.5B investment in India for AI, cloud infrastructure, and skill development, marking its largest-ever investment in Asia.
New Delhi: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella convened with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening and pledged the company’s largest-ever investment in Asia—exceeding US$ 17.5 billion, or Rs 1.5 lakh crore—toward the advancement of Artificial Intelligence capabilities.
Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, for an inspiring discussion on India’s artificial intelligence prospects. To advance the nation’s ambitions, Microsoft is dedicating US$ 17.5 billion—our largest investment in Asia to date—to assist in developing the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities essential for India’s AI-driven future, he stated.
The Prime Minister stated, “Regarding artificial intelligence, the global outlook on India is optimistic.”
Engaged in a highly productive discussion with Satya Nadella. Pleased to observe that India will serve as the location for Microsoft’s largest-ever investment in Asia. The youth of India will seize this opportunity to innovate and harness the potential of artificial intelligence for the betterment of the planet.
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In a press statement issued shortly after the meeting between the two leaders, Microsoft announced that its planned investment of US$ 17.5 billion in India follows an earlier investment of US$ 3 billion—dedicated to developing cloud and AI infrastructure in Bengaluru over the next two years, encompassing upskilling initiatives and new data centres—and will secure the company’s position as having “the largest hyperscale presence in India.”
India is at a critical juncture in its artificial intelligence progression—characterized by significant impact at scale and a resolute commitment to leadership. As technology advances as a driving force for inclusive development and economic transformation, the country is emerging as a leading nation in artificial intelligence. Against this backdrop, the company announced today its largest investment in Asia—US$17.5 billion over four years.
Microsoft’s nearly US$20 billion investment over four years underscores India’s significance as a highly valuable market for global software giants competing to develop digital infrastructure.
In October, Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated that he had discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the company’s plans for establishing an artificial intelligence center in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking the largest investment ever made by the US technology firm in the country.
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Google collaborated with the Adani Group to establish a data center and AI infrastructure in Visakhapatnam, its largest facility outside the United States, and announced plans to invest $15 billion over the next five years.
Amazon has also invested billions of dollars in developing data centers in India, while the Prime Minister met with Cristiano R. Amon, CEO of semiconductor manufacturer Qualcomm, in October to discuss India’s progress in AI, innovation, and skill development.
Last month, during a conference in Delhi, the Prime Minister emphasized India’s contribution to establishing a global framework for the development and operation of artificial intelligence. He discussed “ethical and human-centered AI” and stated that his government is already developing a policy regarding this matter.