Microsoft plans to invest $3 billion in India over the next two years to enhance its AI and cloud computing capabilities. The announcement, made by CEO Satya Nadella at an event in Bengaluru, represents the company’s most significant expansion in India to date. This strategic move aims to strengthen India’s position as a global AI hub while also providing essential skills to millions. Microsoft’s ambitious training efforts include providing 500,000 workers with AI skills by 2026 and increasing that to 10 million by 2030.
These initiatives will target students, developers, educators, government officials, and female entrepreneurs, fostering a diverse and tech-savvy workforce. The $3 billion investment will also go toward improving Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform in India, which supports the country’s thriving AI ecosystem.
With three operational data center regions now in place, Microsoft intends to add a fourth in the near future to accommodate the growing demand for cloud and AI services.
Microsoft will partner with the Indian government’s INDIAai initiative to explore the potential applications of AI across various sectors. Furthermore, we expect collaborations with major Indian companies like Apollo Hospitals, Mahindra Group, and RailTel to drive innovation in healthcare, financial services, and public sector transformation. To assist aspiring entrepreneurs, Microsoft will extend Founders Hub program benefits, such as Azure credits, mentorship, and business resources, to 1,000 AI startups in India.
This project intends to help entrepreneurs scale their operations and contribute to India’s growing digital economy. Microsoft’s commitment to long-term growth is evident in its plans to implement cutting-edge, environmentally friendly AI infrastructure. This includes zero-water cooling data centers and agreements with renewable energy providers to run its operations in a sustainable manner.
Microsoft has positioned itself as a vital player in India’s technology future by focusing on AI talent development, startup help, and cloud capabilities. This investment not only affirms India’s relevance in the global digital landscape but also ensures that AI-driven innovation helps people and sectors across the country.
