Google to invest $15 bn in India, build largest AI hub outside US

Core Insights - Google announced a $15 billion investment in India over the next five years, focusing on establishing a significant data center and AI hub in the country [1][2][3] Investment and Infrastructure - The investment includes a "gigawatt-scale AI hub" located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, which is expected to scale to multiple gigawatts [2][3] - This data center aims to serve as a "digital backbone" connecting various parts of India, enhancing the country's digital infrastructure [2][3] Market Demand and Growth - There is a surging demand for AI tools and solutions in India, projected to have over 900 million internet users by the end of the year [2] - The global data center market is experiencing phenomenal growth due to the increasing need for data storage and the operation of energy-intensive AI tools [2] Government and Industry Response - Indian officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, expressed support and gratitude for Google's investment, highlighting its significance for India's AI vision [3][5] - The investment is seen as a pivotal step for India to play a crucial role in the global tech landscape, with data being referred to as "the new oil" [5] Competitive Landscape - Other American AI firms are also expanding into India, with companies like Anthropic and OpenAI planning to establish offices in the country, indicating a growing interest in the Indian market [6][7]