In a landmark move, Google has announced a massive $15 billion investment to establish a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) data center hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This marks the largest single investment the tech giant has ever made in India, reaffirming the country’s growing importance in global technology infrastructure. The facility, expected to be operational by 2030, will play a pivotal role in advancing AI-driven services, digital innovation, and cloud infrastructure across India and the Asia-Pacific region.
The new data center will be a gigawatt-scale campus, capable of handling enormous AI workloads, data processing, and machine learning applications. It will also host cloud infrastructure supporting Google Cloud, YouTube, Search, and other AI-based services. As part of the plan, Google will also develop a robust international subsea cable system connecting Visakhapatnam to global networks, along with a new fiber-optic backbone and clean energy power systems to ensure uninterrupted and sustainable operations.
To make this ambitious project a reality, Google has partnered with AdaniConneX and Bharti Airtel. AdaniConneX will focus on green power generation and energy efficiency for the facility, while Airtel will help expand connectivity and network infrastructure. These collaborations aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that aligns with India’s clean energy goals and digital transformation vision.
According to government officials, the investment is expected to generate around 188,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, across sectors including construction, technology, logistics, and renewable energy. Beyond job creation, the project will serve as a major boost to India’s “Digital India” and “India AI Mission” initiatives, which seek to make the country a global hub for artificial intelligence research and application.
Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, described the Visakhapatnam hub as the company’s largest AI infrastructure investment outside the United States, emphasizing that India’s skilled workforce and fast-growing digital economy make it an ideal location. The choice of Visakhapatnam, strategically located on the eastern coast, also provides easy access for undersea cables, reducing latency and diversifying connectivity beyond traditional hubs like Mumbai and Chennai.
However, experts point out that such a massive infrastructure project comes with challenges. A gigawatt-scale data center requires enormous amounts of energy and water for cooling, as well as strong regulatory support and environmental safeguards. Google has stated that it plans to power the facility entirely through renewable energy and ensure minimal environmental impact.
The $15 billion AI hub underscores India’s emergence as a central player in the global technology ecosystem. With major investments from tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, India is quickly positioning itself as the next major frontier for AI research, innovation, and digital growth. As the Visakhapatnam project takes shape, it represents not only a milestone for Google but also a defining moment in India’s digital transformation journey.