- Google is investing $15B to build a 1-gigawatt AI hub in Visakhapatnam by 2030.
- The hub will serve as a global connectivity center and AI innovation platform.
- The project strengthens Google’s presence despite India’s push for local tech alternatives.
Google is accelerating its commitment to India with a massive $15 billion investment to build a 1-gigawatt data center and AI hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The project, slated for completion by 2030, marks the tech giant’s largest investment in the country to date and positions India as a key node in Google’s global AI network.
A Strategic Move Amid Political Push for Local Tech
This announcement comes as the Indian government encourages “swadeshi” or locally made products, promoting alternatives to U.S.-based tech platforms. While companies like Zoho, Arattai, and MapMyIndia offer local alternatives to Google services, the scale of Google’s investment underscores its long-term commitment. Google already employs 14,000 people in India and maintains cloud regions in Delhi and Mumbai.
Building a Global AI and Connectivity Hub
The Visakhapatnam hub will not only house Google’s AI operations but also serve as a global connectivity hub. Partnering with Bharti Airtel and AdaniConneX, Google plans to integrate subsea cable infrastructure, enhancing digital connectivity across India and potentially Asia. The center will leverage Google’s custom Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) and AI models, including Gemini, enabling advanced local AI processing.
Supporting Services and Regional Impact
Beyond enterprise solutions, the hub will support consumer services such as Google Search, YouTube, Gmail, and Google Ads. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian emphasized the hub’s dual role: serving India while connecting the region to the broader Asian market. Indian officials, including IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, welcomed the project, suggesting future expansion to the Andaman Islands to strengthen global internet data transfer routes.
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Google’s $15 billion AI hub and data center in India represents a strategic blend of technology, infrastructure, and regional connectivity. Amid political efforts to boost local alternatives, the investment signals Google’s intent to remain a central player in India’s digital and AI ecosystem for decades to come.
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