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Data centers

Bharti Airtel and Google Collaborate to Establish India's First Large-Scale AI Hub and Data Centre

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bharti Airtel, a leading global communications company, has signed a strategic alliance with Google to establish India's first large-scale Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub and data centre campus in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This significant project aims to advance India's AI ambitions, enhance the nation's digital infrastructure, and bring Google's full suite of AI capabilities closer to Indian enterprises and consumers. The initiative is valued at around USD 15 billion (1,064 billion) over 2026-2030 and includes the development of gigawatt-scale data centre operations, backed by clean energy and an international subsea cable system.

Key Takeaways:

  • Airtel and Google will establish a next-generation data centre and a Cable Landing Station (CLS) to host Google's new subsea cables connecting India to its global digital network, valued at USD 15 billion (1,064 billion) over 2026-2030.
  • The campus will be built in partnership with AdaniConneX and other ecosystem collaborators, with a focus on developing gigawatt-scale data centre operations and clean energy infrastructure.
  • Airtel will develop extensive intra-city and inter-city fibre routes, enabling ultra-fast connectivity and improving the reliability of India's digital backbone.
  • The network will enhance user experiences, strengthen cloud infrastructure, and foster broader access to AI-driven services across the country.
  • Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, emphasized the partnership's significance, stating it represents a defining leap for India's digital evolution.
  • Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, noted that delivering on India's AI vision requires powerful infrastructure and widespread connectivity, and that Airtel and Google aim to bring world-class AI services and data capabilities to support inclusive digital growth.

Sources:

  • Global Data Point, 2022
  • Bharti Airtel
  • Google Cloud
  • AdaniConneX
  • Alphabet Inc.

Statistics:

  • USD 15 billion (1,064 billion) value of the initiative over 2026-2030
  • 600 million customers served by Bharti Airtel across 15 countries in Asia and Africa
  • 15 countries in Asia and Africa where Bharti Airtel operates
  • 4G/5G mobility, fibre broadband, cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, digital payments, and enterprise connectivity solutions offered by Bharti Airtel
  • 1 billion+ users supported by Google worldwide
  • 2026-2030 timeline for the initiative's completion

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