Google has unveiled plans to invest $15 billion over the next five years to establish its first AI-focused data center in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The ambitious project, one of Google’s largest global investments, underscores the company’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation and fostering AI innovation in India.
A Strategic AI Hub on India’s Southeastern Coast
The AI hub will be located in Visakhapatnam, a port city recognized for its strategic coastal location and rapidly growing tech ecosystem. The facility is expected to feature gigawatt-scale data center operations, advanced energy infrastructure, and an expanded fiber-optic network. A key component of the initiative includes the development of an international subsea gateway that will connect with Google’s global cable networks, improving connectivity and enabling faster data processing.
Partnerships with AdaniConneX and Bharti Airtel
To deliver the project, Google has partnered with AdaniConneX and Bharti Airtel. AdaniConneX will manage data center infrastructure, ensuring reliability and scalability, while Airtel will provide high-speed network connectivity to support seamless data flow and low-latency AI services. The collaboration aims to create an integrated ecosystem to advance AI research, development, and deployment across India.
Economic and Technological Impact
The investment is expected to create thousands of high-value jobs in areas including construction, operations, and AI research and development. Local economies stand to benefit from new infrastructure projects and increased demand for skilled professionals. The initiative aligns with India’s broader ambition to become a global leader in AI and digital innovation, contributing significantly to economic growth and technological advancement.
Government Support and Vision 2047 Alignment
The Indian government has voiced strong support for Google’s initiative, framing it as a major step toward the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision — a long-term national goal to transform India into a developed, technology-driven economy by 2047. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the investment for democratizing access to technology and reinforcing India’s standing in the global technology landscape. The Andhra Pradesh government has also implemented key policy and taxation reforms to facilitate the project’s smooth execution.
A Cornerstone of India’s Digital Future
Once operational, the Visakhapatnam AI hub is expected to become a cornerstone of India’s digital infrastructure, attracting further investments and promoting innovation in AI technologies. Google’s investment reflects not only the growing global importance of AI but also India’s rising strategic role in shaping the future of technology.
