Visakhapatnam Gears Up as Google Launches AI Hub, Backed by PM Modi
Visakhapatnam is poised to become a major hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation as Google launches its first AI hub in India, an initiative lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The project, representing Google's largest investment outside the United States, involves a commitment of $15 billion (₹80,000 crore) over the next five years.
The announcement, made during the 'Bharat AI Shakti' event in New Delhi, was welcomed by PM Modi as a "transformative step" for India's digital economy and technological advancement. In a post on X, Modi expressed his delight, stating that the investment aligns with the vision of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India). He emphasized that the hub would democratize technology, deliver cutting-edge tools to citizens, boost the digital economy, and secure India's position as a global technology leader.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the AI hub's role in accelerating AI innovation and supporting India's digital growth. The Visakhapatnam hub will feature gigawatt-scale computing capacity, a new international subsea gateway, and large-scale energy infrastructure. Pichai stated that the hub will bring Google's industry-leading technology to enterprises and users across India, driving growth throughout the country.
Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian explained that the AI hub will be integrated into the company's global network of AI centers across 12 countries, serving as a digital backbone connecting various parts of India through subsea cables and network infrastructure. The hub will house data locally and power AI-driven solutions across sectors, demonstrating Google's long-term commitment to India's digital growth and sustainable data infrastructure.
The Andhra Pradesh government and Google have entered into a landmark agreement, anchoring the ambitious AI City Vizag project. The 1-GW hyperscale data center campus is expected to integrate clean energy and generate up to 180,000 jobs, accelerating AI-driven transformation in the region. Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan hailed the partnership as a "major leap" for the state and the nation, expecting it to accelerate innovation, create employment opportunities, and empower young professionals.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that the launch reflects India's position as a global digital and AI hub under PM Modi's leadership. The project reinforces the vision of "AI for All," equipping Indian citizens with advanced digital tools and strengthening India's position as a global technology leader.
