Google lays foundation of AI data centre in Andhra Pradesh, partners with AdaniConneX, Airtel - The Times of India

Google has started construction of its AI hub in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, marking the company's largest investment in India's digital infrastructure. The project is being developed in partnership with AdaniConneX and Bharti Airtel's Nxtra. The AI hub is expected to form part of a larger ecosystem aimed at supporting India's digital and artificial intelligence growth. Today's inauguration ceremony was attended by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, RTG and HRD, Government of Andhra Pradesh; among others.Rakesh Mittal Garu - Vice-Chairman, Bharti Enterprises Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon'ble IT Minister, Government of India: "The groundbreaking ceremony of India AI Hub in Visakhapatnam reflects Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's vision of making India a global leader in technology. Thanks to the support and commitment of Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu Ji, in realising this vision.The India AI Hub and three subsea cables landing in Visakhapatnam will become very important infrastructure for the country's journey forward. Thank you Google for your continued trust in India." Chandrababu Naidu, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: "Andhra Pradesh is emerging as India's premier investment destination, powered by speed, trust, and ease of doing business. Google's AI hub in Visakhapatnam will be a cornerstone of our growing tech corridor, driving innovation, creating high-value opportunities for our youth, and strengthening our position in the global digital economy. Our vision goes beyond attracting investment - we want local talent, startups, and enterprises to become active partners in this technology-driven growth story. With the strong support of the Central Government and in line with the vision of a developed India, this partnership with Google reflects our commitment to combining cutting-edge innovation with inclusive growth, ensuring opportunities reach every community across Andhra Pradesh." Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud: "Today's groundbreaking is a powerful realization of our shared vision with the Indian government, and an inflection point for the country's AI-native future. Together we are laying the foundation for Viksit Bharat, and opening new doors for economic opportunity nationwide. The Google AI hub will serve as a catalyst for growth built on deep community partnerships." Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Group: "India's AI moment will be defined by infrastructure. What we are building in Visakhapatnam, nearly 1 GW in a single location, signals that shift. When energy becomes more affordable and increasingly powered by clean sources, intelligence becomes more accessible and that is how India will lead the next phase of digital growth." Gopal Vittal, Executive Vice Chairman, Bharti Airtel: "Through our strategic partnership with Google and Adani to build this landmark AI hub, we will help advance India's digital ambitions. With Visakhapatnam emerging as a new hub on the world's AI map, we will ensure that India sets the pace for innovation, and sustainable growth, not just for our people, but for the whole world. Our full stack of best-in-class data centers, use of green power, pan-India ultra‑low latency fiber and a next‑gen cable landing station will enable large‑scale, world‑class AI infrastructure in Vizag."The AI hub will include multiple data center campuses and is part of Google's planned $15 billion investment in India between 2026 and 2030. The company said the project will support high-performance computing and help businesses build and scale AI-based solutions."Beyond technical and industrial significance, the Google India AI hub represents a long-term investment in local job training, community projects, and the responsible stewardship of shared resources," the company said in a press release.