Google Lays Foundation for Mega AI Hub in India; Airtel and AdaniConneX to Partner
Visakhapatnam, India:
Google has laid the foundation for its landmark AI Hub in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, marking one of its largest investments in India to date. The giga-watt scale ecosystem will be developed in collaboration with Bharti Airtel’s Nxtra and AdaniConneX, aiming to accelerate India’s digital and AI-driven growth.
The project will leverage Nxtra’s advanced data centers, ultra-low latency fiber network across India, green energy solutions, and next-generation cable landing stations to build world-class AI infrastructure. This initiative underscores Google’s commitment to sustainable and scalable digital transformation in the country.
Speaking at the event, Gopal Vittal, Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel, said the partnership will strengthen India’s position in the global AI ecosystem. He emphasized that Visakhapatnam is poised to emerge as a key global AI hub, enabling innovation and sustainable growth not only for India but for the world.
The foundation ceremony, held in Taraluvada, witnessed the presence of several dignitaries including Ashwini Vaishnaw (Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT), N. Chandrababu Naidu (Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh), Nara Lokesh (IT Minister, Andhra Pradesh), Bikash Koley (VP, Google Cloud), Karan and Jeet Adani (Directors, Adani Group), and Rakesh Mittal (Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises).
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the AI Hub reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global technology leader. He also highlighted the strategic importance of three subsea cables landing in Visakhapatnam as critical infrastructure for the nation’s growth.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that Andhra Pradesh is emerging as a leading investment destination driven by speed, trust, and ease of doing business. He noted that the AI hub will create high-quality employment opportunities, foster innovation, and strengthen India’s position in the global digital economy.
Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, described the project as a significant milestone toward building an AI-native future for India, unlocking new economic opportunities across sectors.
Jeet Adani of the Adani Group emphasized that India’s AI future will be defined by robust infrastructure, including affordable and clean energy, which will make advanced technologies more accessible.
$15 Billion “Viksit Bharat” Blueprint (2026–2030)
As part of Google’s $15 billion, five-year investment plan, the AI hub will include three large data center campuses led by Nxtra and AdaniConneX. The initiative will also support the “America-India Connect” fiber project and contribute to India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
Community Impact Initiatives
Google’s community-first approach, supported by Nxtra’s regional presence, includes:
Water Futures: Watershed management initiatives such as RO plants, water ATMs, and support for agriculture and fisheries.
Maritime Trades: Training for over 1,000 fishermen in GPS usage, UPI access, and welfare schemes.
Grassroots Innovation: AI labs, digital literacy programs, and entrepreneurship funding through ChangeX.
Women-led Enterprises: Empowering over 10,000 women via skill and learning programs.
Workforce Readiness: Skill development initiatives training over 1,200 individuals in AI and technical domains.
India AI Shakti Conclave
Organized in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh government, the conclave brought together key stakeholders to build an “AI Corridor,” focusing on local procurement and integration of MSMEs into the AI ecosystem.
This landmark initiative positions Visakhapatnam as a rising global hub for artificial intelligence
