In a landmark announcement, Google revealed its plans to invest a staggering $15 billion (approximately 1.3 lakh crore INR) in India. This significant capital injection will fund the establishment of a state-of-the-art data center, specifically designed to bolster artificial intelligence capabilities across the nation. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian confirmed that this ambitious project will be situated in Visakhapatnam, a prominent port city in Andhra Pradesh, with the investment spread out over the next five years.
The exciting news was shared during a high-profile event in New Delhi, graced by several key figures including Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology; Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs; and N Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Their presence underscored the national importance of this collaboration.
Google’s Vision: India as a Global AI Powerhouse
During his address, Thomas Kurian emphasized the monumental scale of this undertaking. He stated that the data center in Andhra Pradesh is poised to become the Mountain View-based tech giant’s largest AI infrastructure investment globally, outside of the United States. Google India envisions developing a data center campus capable of a remarkable 1GW output. This strategic expansion is also expected to significantly broaden Google Cloud’s reach within the Indian market, attracting businesses seeking advanced AI solutions.
The ministers present also shared their perspectives on the impact of this investment. Minister Vaishnaw highlighted AI’s crucial role in fostering India’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, while Minister Sitharaman pointed out the technology’s immense potential to revolutionize the country’s education sector. Chief Minister Naidu, in turn, articulated Andhra Pradesh’s significant growth potential, envisioning the state’s evolution into India’s next premier IT hub.
Strategic Alliance: Airtel Joins Forces with Google for AI Infrastructure
Adding another layer of significance to this venture, Bharti Airtel announced a strategic partnership with Google. This collaboration will be instrumental in establishing the AI hub in Visakhapatnam. The ambitious project, slated for completion by 2030, is designed to incorporate a robust subsea network and leverage clean energy solutions. Both Airtel and AdaniConneX are designated as key ecosystem partners in this groundbreaking initiative.
Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel Limited, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “By combining world-class AI infrastructure with our nation’s extraordinary talent and expanding global connectivity, we are laying the foundation for India to become a leader in the AI-driven era. With Visakhapatnam becoming a new hub on the world’s AI map, we are ensuring that India has the opportunity to set the pace for innovation, digital inclusion and economic growth, not just for our people, but for the world.”
Beyond the data center itself, Airtel and Google are committed to jointly developing a state-of-the-art Cable Landing Station (CLS). This station will serve as a crucial host for Google’s new international subsea cables, seamlessly integrating them with its existing global terrestrial and subsea infrastructure. This comprehensive network promises to deliver high-capacity and low-latency connectivity, further solidifying India’s digital presence on the global stage.