In a major boost to India’s digital infrastructure, Google announced a $15 billion investment to establish a large-scale Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The initiative, unveiled on October 14, represents the tech giant’s largest investment outside the United States and is set to transform the region into a global center for AI innovation, cloud computing, and digital connectivity.
The AI hub, scheduled to be developed between 2026 and 2030, will house advanced AI infrastructure, data centers, renewable energy facilities, and a subsea cable gateway, marking the first gigawatt-scale data center campus in India. According to Google, this project will play a pivotal role in advancing the country’s AI capabilities and strengthening Indo-US technology collaboration.
1 Lakh Jobs and Massive Economic Impact Expected
The project is projected to create over 1 lakh direct and indirect jobs, according to Civil Aviation Minister N. Ram Mohan Naidu. The development will involve large-scale construction, data management, and AI research operations, supporting a broad ecosystem of startups, enterprises, and research organizations across India.
An economic analysis by Access Partnership, commissioned by Google, estimates that the hub could contribute around $15 billion to the U.S. GDP through AI-related innovation and digital trade between 2026 and 2030.
A Global Connectivity and AI Powerhouse
Speaking at the launch event, Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian said, “We will scale the data centre to multiple gigawatts. Visakhapatnam will become a global connectivity hub as we bring our subsea cable infrastructure to the city and connect it with other international gateways.”
The subsea cables will enhance India’s internet resilience and complement existing landing points in Mumbai and Chennai. This infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce latency and improve connectivity across South and Southeast Asia.
The event was attended by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, State IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and Thomas Kurian.
Government Support and Strategic Partnerships
Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed Google’s investment, saying, “This digital infrastructure will go a long way in meeting the goals of our India AI Mission.” He also urged Google to explore Andaman Islands as a potential undersea cable hub, adding that the government would offer “full support” for such initiatives.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu hailed the announcement as a “new chapter in India’s digital transformation journey,” emphasizing that Visakhapatnam will soon emerge as a global AI and connectivity hub.
The project will be executed in collaboration with AdaniConneX and Airtel, leveraging their experience in data center and telecom infrastructure. The hub will host high-performance computing systems used in Google products such as Search, YouTube, and Workspace, and act as a testbed for AI research and innovation in India.
Commitment to Clean Energy and Sustainability
To meet the energy requirements of the new AI campus, Google plans to partner with local entities to expand clean energy generation, transmission, and storage capacity in Andhra Pradesh. The initiative aligns with Google’s global commitment to operate its data centers and offices on 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.
By combining cutting-edge AI capabilities, sustainable energy, and international connectivity, Google’s Visakhapatnam hub is poised to redefine India’s digital landscape—cementing the nation’s place at the forefront of the global AI revolution.
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