Microsoft Commits to India’s AI Future with $3 Billion Investment
In a significant move to tap into India’s vast potential, Microsoft is investing approximately $3 billion to bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and Azure cloud-computing services in the country. This substantial investment underscores India’s importance as a key growth market for US technology companies, driven by its massive population of over 1.4 billion people and affordable internet access.
A Hotbed for AI Innovation
India has been attracting top tech executives, including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Meta’s Yann LeCun, who have visited the country in recent months. Microsoft’s investment will be the largest expansion in India to date, according to CEO Satya Nadella, who made the announcement at a conference in Bengaluru.
Empowering India’s AI Workforce
Nadella also revealed plans to train 10 million people in AI in India by 2030, building on the company’s earlier commitment to provide 2 million people with AI skilling opportunities by 2025. This focus on upskilling individuals in smaller cities and rural areas will help bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive AI ecosystem.
Government Support for AI Ambitions
Nadella met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss Microsoft’s ambitious expansion and investment plans in India, including tech, innovation, and AI. The government’s support for AI initiatives is crucial in creating a conducive environment for companies like Microsoft to invest and grow.
Global AI Infrastructure Expansion
Microsoft has been aggressively expanding its AI infrastructure and data-center network globally, with plans to invest around $80 billion in fiscal 2025. More than half of this investment will be in the United States, focusing on developing data centers to train AI models and deploy AI and cloud-based applications. This global push will enable Microsoft to stay at the forefront of AI innovation and provide cutting-edge solutions to its customers.
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