OpenAI is taking significant steps to strengthen its presence in India, one of its largest user markets, with plans for a massive 1 gigawatt data centre to support its Stargate AI project. The data centre is part of a broader initiative involving key partners like SoftBank, Oracle, and Microsoft, with an investment potential of up to $500 billion. While the specifics regarding the location and timeline of the data centre are still under wraps, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, is expected to announce further details during his visit to India in September 2025.
OpenAI’s Growing Presence in India
As part of its strategic expansion, OpenAI has officially registered as a legal entity in India with the backing of Microsoft. The company is set to open its first office in New Delhi later this year, reinforcing its commitment to the region and enabling deeper collaboration with local government bodies, educational institutions, and industry partners.
A Milestone Initiative: Free ChatGPT Licences for Indian Students and Teachers
In a major step towards democratizing AI access, OpenAI announced that it will distribute 500,000 free ChatGPT licences to students and educators across India. This initiative, part of the OpenAI Learning Accelerator program, will run for six months and aims to give students and teachers in both government schools and educational institutes the tools to leverage AI for learning.
The initiative targets a wide range of educational levels, from primary and secondary government schools to engineering and technical institutes. Teachers and educational professionals in K-12 schools will also be included. According to Leah Belsky, OpenAI’s Vice President of Education, the goal is to position AI as a personalized tutor and teaching assistant, helping educators reduce their workload while improving learning outcomes.
Collaboration with Indian Educational Institutions
The distribution of free licences will be carried out in collaboration with key Indian educational bodies, including the Ministry of Education, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and schools that are part of the Association for Reinventing School Education (ARISE). This partnership is designed to allow both teachers and students to experiment with AI in classroom settings, fostering a community of 500,000 early adopters whose feedback will be instrumental in refining future AI-powered educational tools.
Why OpenAI’s Move is Significant
India is rapidly becoming a central hub for AI innovation, driven by its vast student population and expanding digital infrastructure. OpenAI’s investment in a data centre, local office, and educational initiatives signals the company’s commitment to playing a key role in shaping the future of AI in India. By fostering early adoption and gathering user feedback, OpenAI is setting the stage for a more AI-integrated education system, which could have far-reaching impacts on how AI is used for learning across the globe.
