OpenAI is preparing to establish one of India’s largest data centres, with discussions underway to secure local partners for a facility projected at one gigawatt capacity. The project, if completed, would mark a major expansion of the company’s footprint in Asia while reinforcing India’s role in its global infrastructure strategy. OpenAI, which is backed by Microsoft, has already registered as a legal entity in India and confirmed it will open its first office in New Delhi later this year.
The proposed facility is part of OpenAI’s ambitious “Stargate” programme, a global AI infrastructure initiative involving multi-gigawatt data centres across several regions. Projects under the scheme include a 520-megawatt site in Norway, a five-gigawatt facility in Abu Dhabi, and a 4.5-gigawatt buildout in the United States. Together, the developments represent up to $500 billion in investments supported by SoftBank, Oracle, and OpenAI.
India’s planned one-gigawatt centre would be among the country’s largest, aligning with the government’s $1.2 billion IndiaAI Mission aimed at building sovereign data infrastructure, boosting startups, and scaling AI adoption.
While the site and timeline remain unconfirmed, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, may unveil details during his September visit to India. The project also fits within the company’s “OpenAI for Countries” initiative, designed to provide nations with customized AI infrastructure and preserve data sovereignty.
Alongside its infrastructure ambitions, OpenAI is deepening educational outreach in India. Earlier this year, it partnered with the Ministry of Education, AICTE, and ARISE schools to launch the OpenAI Learning Accelerator, distributing 500,000 free ChatGPT licences to students and teachers.
The company says the initiative aims to make AI a personal tutor and teaching assistant for millions. If realized, the new data centre would not only position India as a central hub for OpenAI’s Asia-Pacific operations but also strengthen its aspirations to become a global leader in AI development