Amazon’s India sprint: CEO Andy Jassy backs AI, quick commerce & Maharashtra growth

MUMBAI: If India is Amazon’s growth engine, then Andy Jassy appears keen to keep the pedal firmly to the floor. The Amazon chief executive wrapped up a high-profile visit to India with a series of meetings focused on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, logistics and the country’s growing role in the company’s global ambitions.

A key stop on the visit was a meeting with Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, where discussions centred on the state’s expanding digital economy and Amazon’s long-term investments. Maharashtra remains one of Amazon’s most significant markets in India, housing the first Indian infrastructure region of AWS and a sizeable workforce spread across Mumbai, Pune and other cities.

The discussions touched on how Amazon’s investments in cloud computing, AI, e-commerce and logistics are helping businesses scale and access wider markets. The company also highlighted its efforts to support local sellers through export initiatives and workforce development programmes aimed at preparing young professionals for future technology-driven jobs.

Entertainment was also part of the conversation. Mumbai continues to serve as a major base for Prime Video’s Indian operations, with the streaming platform investing heavily in original content and taking Indian stories to audiences in more than 240 countries worldwide.

Jassy’s India itinerary also included a gathering of senior executives from leading Indian businesses, where AI took centre stage. Addressing the group, Jassy described artificial intelligence as the most transformative technology of his lifetime and argued that India is uniquely positioned to become a major builder of AI-powered products and services.

Pointing to the country’s engineering talent and rapid pace of digital adoption, Jassy suggested that India is moving beyond being a large consumer market and is increasingly becoming a global innovation hub. The discussions focused on turning AI experimentation into measurable business outcomes and identifying opportunities for Indian companies to develop solutions for both domestic and international markets.

The visit also offered a glimpse into Amazon’s fast-growing quick commerce ambitions. Jassy toured an Amazon Now micro-fulfilment centre, a facility that supports the company’s rapid-delivery model. Amazon plans to expand the service to more than 300 cities across India as it intensifies competition in the increasingly crowded ultra-fast delivery space.

According to the company, Amazon Now has recorded a sharp rise in demand since launch, with order volumes doubling every quarter. What began as an India-led experiment is now being expanded to markets around the world, underscoring the strategic importance of the country within Amazon’s global operations.

During the visit, Jassy met delivery associates and logistics partners who form the backbone of the service. Amazon also unveiled Sammaan, a new initiative aimed at improving support for delivery personnel through enhanced health and life insurance benefits, educational scholarships for children and other welfare measures.

The trip reinforced a message Amazon has been steadily emphasising for years: India is no longer just a large market for the company. From AI innovation and cloud infrastructure to entertainment and quick commerce, the country is increasingly shaping the future direction of Amazon’s global business.