Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed Google’s announcement to set up an artificial intelligence (AI) data centre in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, describing it as a transformative step for India’s digital economy and technological growth.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Delighted by the launch of the Google AI Hub in the dynamic city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This multi-faceted investment that includes gigawatt-scale data center infrastructure aligns with our vision to build a Viksit Bharat. It will be a powerful force in democratizing technology, ensuring AI for All, delivering cutting-edge tools to our citizens, boosting our digital economy, and securing India’s place as a global technology leader!”
The announcement was made during the ‘Bharat AI Shakti’ event hosted by Google in New Delhi. Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared details of the company’s first-ever AI hub in India, highlighting its role in accelerating AI innovation and supporting India’s digital growth. Pichai said, “This hub combines gigawatt-scale compute capacity, a new international subsea gateway, and large-scale energy infrastructure. Through it, we will bring our industry-leading technology to enterprises and users in India, driving growth across the country.”
The Google AI Hub in Visakhapatnam represents the company’s largest investment outside the United States, with a commitment of USD 15 billion over the next five years. Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian explained that the hub will be part of the company’s global network of AI centers across 12 countries and will act as a digital backbone connecting various parts of India through subsea cables and network infrastructure.
Kurian added, “This gigawatt-scale AI hub will house data locally and help power AI-driven solutions across sectors. The investment reflects Google’s long-term commitment to India’s digital growth and its ambition to build sustainable, locally integrated data infrastructure.”
Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the hub will significantly enhance AI infrastructure in India, benefiting startups, research, and youth skill development. He emphasized the need to prepare and upskill the youth for emerging AI opportunities. Vaishnaw also suggested exploring undersea cable networks via the Andaman Islands to expand connectivity to Southeast Asia, Australia, and beyond.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lauded the project, highlighting that Google will invest up to Rs 80,000 crore in the next five years. She described the launch as a reflection of India’s positioning as a global digital and AI hub under Prime Minister Modi’s visionary policies.
The landmark agreement between the Andhra Pradesh government and Google anchors the ambitious AI City Vizag project. The 1-GW hyperscale data centre campus is expected to integrate clean energy, generate up to 1.8 lakh jobs, and accelerate AI-driven transformation in the region.
Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, stated that the project is projected to generate approximately ₹10,000 crore in revenue for Andhra Pradesh, create 5,000–6,000 direct jobs, and 20,000–30,000 total employment opportunities, further strengthening the state’s position as a digital and technological hub.
Dr. Chandrasekhar described the initiative as a defining milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s journey of progress and self-reliance, appreciating the support of Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and IT Minister Nara Lokesh in bringing Google to Andhra Pradesh.