Google Partners Adani, Airtel for India AI Hub Project

Google has begun construction on a major AI hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step in India’s expanding digital infrastructure. The project, developed in partnership with AdaniConneX and Nxtra by Airtel, is designed as a gigawatt-scale AI ecosystem and forms part of a broader push to support the country’s long-term technology ambitions.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 28 at Tarluvada in Visakhapatnam, attended by senior government officials and industry leaders. Among those present were Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and executives from Google, Adani Group, and Bharti Enterprises.

Calling the project a key milestone, Vaishnaw said, “The groundbreaking ceremony of India AI Hub in Visakhapatnam reflects the vision of making India a global leader in technology.” He added that the hub, along with new subsea cable infrastructure in the region, would play an important role in strengthening the country’s digital backbone.

The AI hub is part of Google’s planned USD 15 billion investment in India over five years, from 2026 to 2030. First announced in 2025, the initiative includes the development of three large data centre campuses aimed at supporting advanced computing needs and expanding access to AI-driven services.

Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian described the project as a turning point, stating, “Today’s groundbreaking is an inflection point for the country’s AI-native future.” He noted that the facility is expected to support businesses, researchers, and developers in building and scaling AI-based solutions.

Chief Minister Naidu said the project would contribute to the state’s economic growth and employment generation. “Google’s AI hub in Visakhapatnam will be a cornerstone of our growing tech corridor, driving innovation and creating high-value opportunities for our youth,” he said, adding that the state aims to integrate local talent and enterprises into the evolving technology ecosystem.

The infrastructure will be built by AdaniConneX and Nxtra by Airtel, with a focus on enabling high-performance and low-latency digital services. Jeet Adani, Director at Adani Group, highlighted the role of infrastructure in shaping the future of AI, saying, “India’s AI moment will be defined by infrastructure,” particularly as access to energy and computing capacity expands.

Bharti Airtel Vice Chairman Gopal Vittal said the collaboration would help strengthen India’s digital capabilities. “With Visakhapatnam emerging as a new hub on the world’s AI map, we will help ensure that India sets the pace for innovation and sustainable growth,” he said.

In addition to data infrastructure, the project includes expansion of fiber-optic networks under the America-India Connect initiative and a focus on clean energy use. The company said it aims to contribute to India’s target of achieving 500 gigawatts of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.

Beyond technology development, Google has outlined several community-focused initiatives linked to the project. These include programs on water resource management, support for coastal livelihoods, and training for local workers. The company is also introducing skill development efforts to prepare the local workforce for jobs in construction, operations, and digital services.

Initiatives such as training for fishing communities in digital tools and support for women-led enterprises are part of the broader plan to connect infrastructure development with local economic participation. Google said these efforts are intended to ensure that long-term investments translate into benefits for surrounding communities.

As construction begins, the Visakhapatnam AI hub is expected to play a role in shaping India’s position in the global AI landscape, while also contributing to regional development and employment.