Key Highlights:
- Certifications, education licenses, and new India offices announced.
- Tata Group partners with OpenAI on sovereign AI data center infrastructure.
- Over 100 million weekly ChatGPT users already in India.
OpenAI has launched OpenAI for India, a nationwide initiative aimed at expanding access to artificial intelligence and building local AI capacity. The announcement was made at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi. The program begins with a strategic partnership with Tata Group and focuses on infrastructure, enterprise adoption, and workforce skills.
India already has more than 100 million weekly ChatGPT users. OpenAI says the new initiative builds on that momentum.
Why build sovereign AI infrastructure in India?
Under its global Stargate program, the company will work with Tata Group to develop AI-ready data centers in India. The company will be the first customer of Tata Consultancy Services’ HyperVault data center business, starting with 100 megawatts of capacity. The setup could scale to 1 gigawatt over time.
This infrastructure allows advanced OpenAI models to run locally in India. It also addresses data residency, security, and compliance needs for government and enterprise workloads. Lower latency is another key benefit.
How will enterprises use OpenAI tools?
OpenAI and Tata Group have also announced a large-scale enterprise collaboration. Tata plans to roll out ChatGPT Enterprise across its workforce in phases, beginning with hundreds of thousands of employees at Tata Consultancy Services.
TCS also plans to use OpenAI’s Codex to standardize AI-driven software development across teams. OpenAI says this could become one of the largest enterprise AI deployments globally. The company already works with Indian firms such as JioHotstar, PhonePe, CRED, and MakeMyTrip.
What does it mean for students and professionals?
OpenAI will expand its certification programs in India. TCS will be the first organization outside the US to participate. These certifications focus on practical AI skills across roles.
OpenAI also announced education partnerships with institutions including the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and AIIMS New Delhi. More than 100,000 ChatGPT Edu licenses will be provided to help students prepare for AI-driven jobs.
Is there a focus on expanding its physical presence in India?
Yes. The company plans to open new offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru later this year, in addition to its existing New Delhi presence. According to CEO Sam Altman, OpenAI for India aims to build AI “with India, for India, and in India.” Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran called the partnership a milestone for India’s AI ambitions.
In the months ahead, OpenAI for India is expected to play a central role in shaping how AI infrastructure, skills, and enterprise tools scale across the country.
