American tech giant Microsoft plans to invest $3 billion to expand its cloud computing and artificial intelligence capabilities in India.
The investment includes providing artificial intelligence training to 500,000 individuals and establishing new data centers.
On Jan. 8, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared the company’s plan to invest $3 billion in India over two years to build AI and cloud capabilities, calling it “the single largest expansion we have ever done in India.” The announcement was made at the Microsoft AI Tour in Bengaluru.
As part of the package, Microsoft partnered with INDIAai — an AI-focused initiative of the Indian government — to train 500,000 individuals in AI by 2026. In total, the company plans to train 10 million people in India with cloud and AI skills by 2030.
Microsoft plans for wide-scale AI training
The AI training will be made available for students, educators, developers, government officials and women entrepreneurs, the Economic Times reported, citing a senior company official.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announces $3 billion AI investment in India. Source: Microsoft
According to Nadella, the latest $3 billion investment will be used to expand Azure’s capability in India. Following a recent interaction with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nadella also said that India’s entrepreneurial energy gives Microsoft the confidence to bring core compute capability to the Next Generation AI ecosystem.
Microsoft signs strategic partnerships with major industries in India. Source: Microsoft
Microsoft signs partnerships to offer cloud and AI services
Additionally, Microsoft has signed strategic partnerships with RailTel, Apollo Hospitals, Bajaj Finserv, Mahindra Group and upGrad to help their teams and customers benefit from cloud and AI innovation.
Microsoft India and South Asia president Puneet Chandok said that the company has already trained 2,400,000 Indians since 2024. Moreover, the firm is in the process of setting up “AI Catalysts” to promote AI innovation in smaller cities and communities.
Microsoft will also extend the benefits of its Founders Hub program — such as Azure credits, business resources and mentorship — to up to 1,000 AI startups in India.
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