OpenAI Establishes India Presence with Government Relations Head

OpenAI, backed by Microsoft Corp., has appointed Pragya Misra as its first employee in India, naming her as the head of government relations.

The move comes as India votes in a new administration, a crucial time for shaping artificial intelligence regulations in the country.

Misra, 39, previously worked at Truecaller AB and Meta Platforms Inc. She is set to start at OpenAI toward the end of the month. Her appointment signals OpenAI’s efforts to advocate for favourable regulations as governments worldwide grapple with how to regulate AI technology.

India, with its vast population and rapidly growing economy, presents significant growth opportunities for global tech companies like OpenAI. However, navigating India’s regulatory landscape can be challenging due to local lawmakers and regulators prioritizing the protection of domestic firms.

OpenAI representatives and Misra did not respond to requests for comment outside regular US office hours. Misra’s experience in leading public affairs at Truecaller and Meta Platforms Inc., where she spearheaded WhatsApp’s campaign against misinformation in 2018, positions her well for her new role at OpenAI. In India, OpenAI faces