Microsoft chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella, on stage at the Microsoft AI Tour in Bengaluru where he announced US $3 billion investment in India for cloud and AI infrastructure over the next two years. Highlighting India's dynamic technological progress, Nadella said, "I am really really excited to announce the single largest expansion we have ever done in India by putting $3 billion additional dollars to expand our Azure capacity."

• Microsoft shared a comprehensive plan to train and skill 10 million people by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to partnering with India on its journey to become an AI-first nation.
• Microsoft Research Lab launched an AI Innovation Network, a groundbreaking initiative designed to accelerate the transition from research to real, usable business solutions.
• Furthermore, Microsoft and SaaSBoomi have joined hands to prope

During his visit to India, Microsoft chairman and CEO Satya Nadella today announced the company’s plans to invest US $3 billion in India in cloud and AI infrastructure and skilling over the next two years, including the establishment of new datacenters. This investment aims to accelerate AI innovation in India, which is pivotal for achieving Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. Microsoft will also support the country’s long-term competitiveness by training 10 million people over the next five years with AI skills, as part of the second edition of its ADVANTA(I)GE India program.

Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft said, “India is rapidly becoming a leader in AI innovation, unlocking new opportunity across the country. The investments in infrastructure and skilling we are announcing today reaffirm our commitment to making India AI-first, and will help ensure people and organizations across the country benefit broadly.”

Making India AI-first and advancing AI responsibly

Microsoft’s approach to responsible AI is grounded in six core principles: fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. This investment reflects Microsoft’s expanding role and responsibility as a leader in AI. Microsoft is working to expand broad access to its AI technology that empowers organizations and individuals to develop and use AI in ways that will serve the public good. Microsoft will operate its AI services and infrastructure under Microsoft’s AI Access Principles and in accordance with industry-leading responsible AI principles.

Microsoft will expand its cloud and AI infrastructure across datacenter campuses in the country. Microsoft already has three datacenter regions in the market, and the fourth ready to go live in 2026. This investment aims to develop a scalable AI computing ecosystem to meet the growing demands of India’s rapidly expanding AI start-ups and research community.

ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA: Equipping 10 million Indians with essential AI skills by 2030

As the nature of jobs evolves, AI is becoming an essential skill for professionals. Indian professionals are leading the way in learning and skill-building on LinkedIn, spending nearly 50% more time on learning per week than the average professional. They have been early adopters of AI, with a 122% year-over-year increase in Indian members adding AI skills to their profiles, compared to 71% globally.

Source- Microsoft