(Image source from: x.com/satyanadella)

Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella had a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening, where he announced the software company's biggest investment in Asia yet – exceeding 17.5 billion US dollars, or about 1.5 lakh crore rupees, aimed at enhancing Artificial Intelligence capabilities. He said, "I appreciate PM Narendra Modiji for a motivating talk about the AI potential in India. To support the nation's goals, Microsoft is putting in 17.5 billion US dollars – which is the largest we have ever invested in Asia – to help create the infrastructure, skills, and independent capabilities necessary for India's AI-focused future." The Prime Minister replied, "The world has a positive outlook on India regarding AI!" He added, "I had a very useful conversation with Satya Nadella. It’s great to see India chosen for Microsoft’s largest investment in Asia. The youth in India will take this chance to innovate and utilize AI for a better world."

After their meeting, Microsoft issued a statement saying that its investment of 17.5 billion US dollars in India comes after a previous commitment of 3 billion US dollars for developing cloud and AI infrastructure in Bengaluru over the next two years. This investment will include training programs and new data centers, establishing the company’s significant presence in India. The statement noted, "India is at a crucial stage in its AI development… one that will be marked by significant impact and a strong determination to lead. As technology drives inclusive growth and economic change, the nation is becoming a leader in AI technology. With this in mind… we are announcing our largest investment in Asia – totaling 17.5 billion US dollars over the next four years…" Microsoft’s investment of nearly 20 billion US dollars over four years highlights India’s importance as a key market for major software companies competing to build digital infrastructure.

Thank you, PM @narendramodi ji, for an inspiring conversation on India’s AI opportunity. To support the country’s ambitions, Microsoft is committing US$17.5B—our largest investment ever in Asia—to help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for… pic.twitter.com/NdFEpWzoyZ

— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) December 9, 2025

Earlier in October, Google's CEO Sundar Pichai mentioned he talked with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the US tech giant's plans for an artificial intelligence center in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking the company's largest investment in India. Google formed a partnership with the Adani Group to create a data center and AI hub in Visakhapatnam, which is the largest outside the US, and it intends to invest 15 billion dollars over the next five years. Additionally, Amazon has invested billions in setting up data centers in India, and the Prime Minister also had a meeting with Qualcomm's CEO, Cristiano R Amon, in October to discuss advancements in AI, innovation, and skill development in India. Last month, while speaking at a conference in Delhi, the Prime Minister emphasized India's potential in shaping a global standard for AI development and operations. He discussed the importance of “ethical and human-centered AI” and mentioned that his government is already taking steps towards forming a policy on this matter.