Bharti Airtel has entered into a strategic partnership with Google to establish India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The initiative aims to accelerate AI adoption across India, strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure, and bring Google’s full AI stack and consumer services closer to Indian businesses.

Google’s AI hub represents a $15 billion investment over five years (2026-2030) and will include gigawatt-scale data center operations, a robust subsea network, and clean energy to support demanding AI workloads in India. The project will be implemented in collaboration with ecosystem partners including Airtel and AdaniConneX.

As part of the project, Airtel and Google will jointly set up a purpose-built data center and a state-of-the-art Cable Landing Station (CLS) to host Google’s new international subsea cables, integrating with its global infrastructure. Airtel will also develop an extensive intra-city and inter-city fiber network, providing high-capacity, low-latency connectivity to enhance user experience, strengthen India’s digital backbone, and drive AI-driven digital inclusion nationwide.

Gopal Vittal, MD & Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel, said, “This partnership with Google is a defining moment in India’s digital future. By combining world-class AI infrastructure with India’s talent and expanding global connectivity, Visakhapatnam will emerge as a new hub on the world’s AI map, driving innovation, inclusion, and economic growth.”

Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud, added, “Meeting India’s AI Mission requires cutting-edge infrastructure, computational power, and ubiquitous connectivity. Together with Airtel, we will deliver next-generation AI services and the essential digital backbone needed to power inclusive growth across India.”