Microsoft has announced a $3 billion investment to expand its Azure cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) capacities in India over the next two years. This move emphasizes India’s importance as a key growth market for technology, given its expertise and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the investment will focus on upskilling Indian professionals in AI, building on Microsoft’s plan to invest $80 billion in AI-enabled data centers. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted India’s significant contributions to AI projects, particularly through GitHub Copilot, and noted that India is projected to have the largest developer community by 2028. Microsoft plans to train 10 million people in AI by 2030, following the upskilling of 2.4 million individuals last year. The investment reflects the ongoing competition among U.S. tech giants to capture and nurture technological talent in India.
This strategic expansion aligns with Microsoft’s broader vision to support India’s growing digital economy and underscores the nation’s pivotal role in the global technology landscape. By enhancing its infrastructure and focusing on skill development, Microsoft aims to empower individuals and organizations across India, fostering innovation and contributing to the country’s long-term competitiveness in the AI domain.