Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella has announced plans to invest $3 billion in India over the next two years, focusing on cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, as well as skilling initiatives. This investment includes the establishment of new data centers in the country.
As part of its commitment, Microsoft also aims to train 10 million individuals in AI skills over the next five years, equipping them to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
“India is leading the way in AI innovation, opening up great opportunities nationwide. Our focus on building infrastructure and enhancing skill development reflects our dedication to positioning India as a global leader in AI innovation. These efforts will ensure people and organizations across India benefit from this technology,” Nadella shared during the Bengaluru leg of the Microsoft AI Tour, where he is currently visiting.
Microsoft currently operates three data center regions in India, with a fourth set to become operational by 2026. In a blog post, the company shared that its latest $3 billion investment is aimed at building a robust and scalable AI computing ecosystem.
This initiative seeks to address the rising demands of India’s rapidly growing AI start-up and research community, supporting innovation and fostering technological advancements in the region.
Microsoft emphasized the growing importance of AI as a key skill for professionals, especially as job roles continue to evolve. According to the company, Indian professionals are at the forefront of this shift, spending nearly 50% more time on LinkedIn learning each week compared to the global average. Additionally, there has been a significant 122% year-over-year increase in Indian LinkedIn members adding AI skills to their profiles, outpacing the global growth rate of 71%.
In response to these changes, Microsoft Research Lab has created an AI Innovation Network. This initiative aims to foster new collaborations that will accelerate the journey from groundbreaking research to practical, business-ready AI solutions.
