Digital
After Microsoft, Amazon and Google pledge billions to India’s AI-first future
INDIA: Major US tech giants are betting heavily on India’s AI future. Microsoft announced on Tuesday that it would invest $17.5bn in the country’s cloud and artificial-intelligence infrastructure over four years, its largest-ever investment in Asia. Today, Amazon pledged to pump more than $35bn into India by 2030, building on the $40bn it has already spent since 2010. Google has lined up $15 billion for AI data-centre expansion, adding to India’s growing pull as a destination for high-end digital infrastructure.
Microsoft’s pledge, made after chief executive Satya Nadella met prime minister Narendra Modi, aims to expand hyperscale infrastructure, embed AI in national platforms and train 20 million Indians in AI by 2030, and grow its 22,000-strong workforce in the country. Microsoft’s Azure AI will also be integrated into labour and careers platforms run by the government.
Amazon’s investments will focus on expanding AI capabilities, enhancing logistics infrastructure and supporting small businesses. The e-commerce giant, which competes fiercely with Walmart-backed Flipkart and the retail arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, aims to create 1 million additional jobs by 2030. It also plans to boost cumulative exports for Indian sellers from $20bn over the past decade to $80bn by 2030.
In a statement, Amazon said that its investments are “strategically aligned with India’s national priorities and will focus on expanding AI capabilities, enhancing logistics infrastructure, supporting small business growth, and creating jobs.”
India has also drawn an $8 billion commitment from Amazon Web Services and a raft of chip proposals worth more than $18 billion under its semiconductor mission.
The country’s vast market, swelling digital base and state-funded platforms have turned it into fertile ground for firms seeking scale. A visit by Intel boss Lip-Bu Tan and the chipmaker’s new pact with Tata Electronics underscore India’s determination to catch up in advanced technologies.
Digital
Maharashtra partners OpenAI, Sarvam AI to boost state’s tech ecosystem
State to set up dedicated AI department and roll out frontier technology policies
MUMBAI: Maharashtra is set to become a primary hub for artificial intelligence following the 2026–27 Budget announcement. chief minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the state has signed letters of intent with global giant OpenAI and national pioneer Sarvam AI to integrate advanced technology into the state’s economic and administrative framework.
The collaboration with OpenAI and Sarvam AI marks a shift towards adopting cutting-edge generative tools for governance. These partnerships, alongside MoUs with IIT Bombay and BharatGen, are designed to create a robust ecosystem for research and innovation. The move signals the state’s intent to bring together global technology leaders and domestic research institutions to accelerate the development and adoption of artificial intelligence across sectors.
Regarding the strategic intent of these alliances, chief minister Fadnavis stated, “With the objective of making the State’s Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence sector dynamic, letters of intent have been signed with globally and nationally reputed institutions like OpenAI and Sarvam AI to facilitate the Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence sector in the state.”
To manage these high-level partnerships and ensure effective implementation, the government is establishing an independent department of electronics, Information technology, and artificial intelligence. The new department will function with a dedicated commissionerate and specialised technical manpower, enabling faster decision-making, improved coordination, and stronger accountability in executing technology-driven initiatives.
The state also plans to introduce special policies aimed at strengthening its position in emerging technology sectors. These policies will focus on advancing Maharashtra as a global hub for frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, drones, autonomous vehicles, and deep technology.
According to the chief minister, “The state government plans to introduce special policies to develop Maharashtra as a world-class hub for frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, drones, autonomous vehicles and deep technology.”
Artificial intelligence is already being integrated into the state’s governance framework. A collaboration with Microsoft has led to the development of MahaCrimeOS AI, a platform that has reportedly reduced police investigation times by 80 per cent across 23 police stations in Nagpur. The initiative demonstrates how AI-driven tools can significantly enhance law enforcement efficiency and data analysis capabilities.
The government is also working toward building a fully digitised administrative ecosystem. Plans are underway to achieve complete digitisation of land transactions and implement electronic office systems across departments, paving the way for a paperless government. In addition, a pilot project will introduce AI-powered solutions in 75 selected villages to improve infrastructure, governance efficiency, and overall quality of life in rural areas.
To strengthen digital infrastructure and data protection, the state also intends to establish an advanced data centre in Nagpur. This facility will be designed to safeguard sensitive and sovereign information while supporting large-scale digital services and government platforms.
These initiatives form part of Maharashtra’s broader cyber security and digital transformation strategy aligned with the Viksit Maharashtra 2047 vision. By partnering with global and domestic technology leaders such as OpenAI and Sarvam AI, the state aims to build a secure, future-ready digital ecosystem that enhances citizen services, supports innovation, and strengthens India’s position in emerging technologies.
