ChatGPT parent OpenAI is scouting local partners to set up a data center in India with at least 1 gigawatt capacity.
OpenAI is planning to build a 1 gigawatt (GW) data centre in India as part of its global AI infrastructure strategy. The project is linked to Stargate, a multi-year investment programme backed by OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and MGX. Technology partners include Microsoft, Nvidia, and Arm.
The proposed facility would support the growing demand for high-performance computing to train and deploy AI models. It would also help meet data localisation requirements and improve service delivery for users in India. The centre is expected to reduce latency and support in-region hosting for OpenAI platforms, including ChatGPT and future GPT models.
OpenAI is currently in talks with prospective Indian partners. Details such as the site location and development timeline remain unannounced. CEO Sam Altman is scheduled to visit India later this month and may provide further clarity.
India is OpenAI’s second-largest market by user base. The company recently launched the ChatGPT Go plan in India at a lower cost. It has also registered a local legal entity and will open an office in New Delhi later in 2025.
The Stargate programme includes a sub-initiative, “OpenAI for Countries”, which aims to develop national AI infrastructure in partnership with governments. India is one of the 10 initial countries identified. The programme operates alongside the Indian government’s ₹10,000 crore IndiaAI Mission.
