Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has unveiled plans for a $3 billion (approximately Rs 25,700 crore) investment to enhance the company’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in India. The announcement was made during a high-profile conference with startup founders and technology leaders, where Nadella underscored the pivotal role AI could play in shaping the future of India.
This investment, touted as Microsoft’s largest expansion in India, is aimed at fortifying the company’s Azure cloud services. Currently operating across more than 60 regions globally with over 300 data centers, Microsoft’s cloud services are set to expand significantly in India. The focus will be on bolstering infrastructure in Central, South, West, and South Central India, with regional collaborations, including partnerships with Jio, expected to enhance the initiative’s impact.
Nadella expressed confidence in India’s growing AI ecosystem, highlighting the country’s vast pool of skilled programmers and the presence of major tech firms such as TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, positioning India as a global leader in AI innovation. While Nadella did not provide a specific timeline for the investment, he was optimistic about the rapid adoption of AI technologies in India.
The $3 billion investment is part of Microsoft’s broader commitment to India’s AI-driven growth. Nadella also announced that the company aims to train 10 million people in AI skills by 2030. This initiative builds on Microsoft’s earlier promise to train 2 million people by 2025, with a focus on underrepresented regions, including smaller cities and rural areas. These efforts align with the company’s mission to empower individuals and organizations globally.
Nadella’s visit to India also included a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where they discussed Microsoft’s role in advancing India’s AI mission, the India Stack initiative, and supporting entrepreneurial growth. On social media, Nadella shared his enthusiasm for deepening Microsoft’s contributions to India’s AI-first strategy, while Modi praised the company’s ambitious expansion plans and reaffirmed India’s readiness to embrace transformative technologies.
The investment in AI infrastructure is not just aimed at fostering technological growth but also at driving economic progress and operational efficiency. Nadella emphasized that AI is a “golden moment for innovation” and that Microsoft is positioned as a key player in AI-driven transformation.
In addition to AI investments, Microsoft is also focusing on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. The company’s “Code; Without Barriers” program aims to train 75,000 women developers by 2024, further underscoring its commitment to creating a diverse AI workforce.
This announcement is part of Microsoft’s broader global strategy, which includes an $80 billion investment in AI data centers this year. With this historic investment in India, Microsoft is setting the stage for the country to become a global AI powerhouse, driving innovation, skill development, and economic growth.