OpenAI has officially announced its entry into India, one of the fastest-growing markets for artificial intelligence. The company has set up a local India unit, with plans to open its first office in New Delhi later this year. The move highlights India’s growing importance in OpenAI’s global strategy and the surge in adoption of ChatGPT across the country.
India has quickly become a powerhouse for AI adoption. According to OpenAI, the country is now ChatGPT’s second largest market, with weekly active users quadrupling in the past year. With a strong developer community and millions of students relying on ChatGPT, the timing of OpenAI’s expansion couldn’t be more significant.
Why India Matters for OpenAI
Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, emphasized India’s potential in the AI space, stating that the nation has “all the ingredients to become a global AI leader.” From a massive pool of skilled developers to robust government support through the India AI Mission, the country provides fertile ground for cutting-edge technology.
OpenAI’s India office is set to play a crucial role in strengthening partnerships with local businesses, government bodies, developers, and educational institutions. The decision also reflects the company’s commitment to making advanced AI tools more accessible and tailored for Indian users.
India’s leadership in digital innovation is further validated by the fact that it ranks among the Top 5 developer markets globally on the OpenAI platform. Moreover, the country has the largest population of students actively using ChatGPT worldwide, underscoring its role in education and learning.
OpenAI’s India-Specific Plans
Alongside its physical expansion, OpenAI is rolling out a series of India-focused initiatives to accelerate adoption. Key offerings include:
- ChatGPT Go: A subscription plan priced at ₹99 per month, with seamless UPI integration for easy payments.
- OpenAI Academy: A nationwide program designed to promote AI literacy, launched in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT.
- Enhanced Indic Language Support: With the new GPT-5 model, ChatGPT shows major improvements in understanding and responding in Indian languages.
- Study Mode: A dedicated feature where ChatGPT assists learners with step-by-step instructions, personalized responses, and interactive learning.
These initiatives are designed not only to boost ChatGPT adoption but also to empower students, educators, and professionals across diverse sectors in India.
Government and Industry Welcome
India’s Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed OpenAI’s move, highlighting it as a milestone for the country’s digital and AI journey. He noted that the government is working toward building an inclusive and trustworthy AI ecosystem, where partnerships with global leaders like OpenAI will play a vital role.
By aligning with the India AI Mission, OpenAI aims to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence reach every citizen. Its plans to host the first Education Summit in India this month and a Developer Day later this year further cement its commitment to nurturing local talent and innovation.
What This Means for India’s AI Future
OpenAI’s expansion into India comes at a time when businesses, educators, and policymakers are increasingly adopting AI for growth and efficiency. The presence of a local India unit means faster product adaptation, better regional support, and stronger collaboration with Indian developers and enterprises.
The move also signals a shift in how global AI companies view India—not just as a consumer market but as a hub for innovation, talent, and co-creation. With AI adoption accelerating, India is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence worldwide.
As OpenAI ramps up hiring for its India office, the opportunities for developers, researchers, and AI enthusiasts are set to expand. From advanced AI research to practical applications in education, healthcare, and business, the possibilities are endless.
