Satya Nadella Meets PM Modi: Microsoft Pledges Record $17.5 Billion AI Investment in India

New Delhi:In a landmark move underscoring India’s growing prominence in the global tech landscape, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and announced the company’s largest-ever investment in Asia — a staggering US$ 17.5 billion (₹1.5 lakh crore) — to accelerate the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

“Thank you PM Narendra Modiji for an inspiring conversation on India's AI opportunity,” Nadella said in a post on X. “To support the country's ambitions, Microsoft is committing US$ 17.5 billion – our largest investment ever in Asia – to help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for India's AI-first future.”

Responding to the announcement, Prime Minister Modi said he had a “very productive discussion” with Nadella, adding,

“Happy to see India being the place where Microsoft will make its largest-ever investment in Asia. The youth of India will harness this opportunity to innovate and leverage the power of AI for a better planet. When it comes to AI, the world is optimistic about India!”

According to Microsoft’s statement, the new investment builds on the US$ 3 billion announced earlier for developing cloud and AI infrastructure in Bengaluru, including new data centres and large-scale upskilling programs. The combined commitment will make Microsoft’s India operations its largest hyperscale presence in the region.

The company emphasized that India stands at a pivotal moment in its AI journey, poised for “impact at scale” and “inclusive growth.” The total investment — close to US$ 20 billion over the next four years — reflects the country’s emergence as a frontline AI nation and a critical market for global technology leaders.