Microsoft's Satya Nadella meets PM Modi, commits $17.5 billion investment in India

Plan aims to build AI infrastructure and sovereign capabilities from 2026 to 2029

- MPOST BUREAU

Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella on Tuesday announced a USD 17.5 billion investment in India after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining what the company described as its largest commitment in Asia to help build infrastructure and sovereign capabilities for the country’s Al-driven future. The move marks the third major AI-focused investment disclosed in India over the past two months.

Microsoft said the USD 17.5 billion, which is about Rs 1.58 lakh crore, adds to the USD 3 billion announced earlier this year. The company remains on course to deploy the earlier sum by the end of calendar year 2026. Nadella wrote on X that the funding would “help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for India’s AIfirst future’.

According to Microsoft's statement, the new investment will be carried out between 2026 and 2029 to accelerate adoption of AI tools and services at a population scale.

The company said Nadella and Modi discussed India's AI roadmap and growth priorities during their meeting, held ahead of the Microsoft India AI tour.

The announcement sits within a broader pattern of technology majors expanding their presence in India's cloud and AI sectors.