Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed happiness over the launch of Google’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub in Visakhapatnam, calling it a milestone in India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Taking to X, PM Modi said, “Delighted by the launch of the Google AI Hub in the dynamic city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This multi-faceted investment, including gigawatt-scale data center infrastructure, aligns perfectly with our vision to build a Viksit Bharat.”
He added that the hub would democratize technology and accelerate India’s goal of “AI for All.” The Prime Minister noted, “It will be a powerful force in ensuring AI for All—delivering cutting-edge tools to citizens, boosting the digital economy, and strengthening India’s position as a global technology leader.”
Earlier in the day, Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed details about the AI hub, describing it as a landmark step in advancing India’s AI innovation ecosystem. “Great to speak with India PM @narendramodi to share our plans for the first-ever Google AI hub in Visakhapatnam,” Pichai wrote on social media. He said the facility combines gigawatt-scale compute capacity, a new subsea gateway, and large-scale energy infrastructure to power India’s digital growth.
Google has announced a massive investment of USD 15 billion over the next five years to establish the Visakhapatnam hub, making it the company’s largest AI hub outside the United States. The announcement came during the ‘Bharat AI Shakti’ event held in New Delhi.
Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said the Visakhapatnam facility will be connected to Google’s global AI network spanning 12 countries. “This hub will not only enhance AI capacity but also provide a digital backbone connecting different parts of India through subsea cable and network connectivity,” Kurian stated.
He added that the hub would serve as a major global connectivity center, scaling to multiple gigawatts of capacity. “It’s the largest AI hub we’re investing in outside the U.S. We’ve been in India for over two decades, with 14,000 employees across five locations, and this project marks a new chapter in our partnership with India’s digital transformation,” he said.
