Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella to discuss the tech giant’s expansion plans in India. Following the meeting, PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm on social media, stating that he was “delighted” to learn of Microsoft’s ambitious investment and growth strategies within the country. The discussion encompassed a wide range of topics, including technological advancements, innovation, and the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.
Nadella reciprocated the positive sentiment, thanking the Prime Minister for his leadership. He emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to establishing India as an AI-first nation and highlighted their collaborative efforts to ensure that all citizens benefit from the ongoing shift towards AI-powered platforms. This commitment includes empowering India’s rapidly expanding developer community, enabling them to create both domestic and globally-relevant products and services.
Microsoft’s focus on India stems from its recognition of the country’s potential in AI development. Nadella previously projected that India will boast the world’s largest developer community on GitHub by 2027, surpassing even the United States. He also underscored India’s significant contribution to the global generative AI landscape, noting its position among the top ten countries creating such projects. Furthermore, Microsoft anticipates AI playing a crucial role in India’s economic growth, contributing significantly towards the nation’s ambitious $5 trillion economy goal by 2025. To support this vision, Microsoft has pledged to provide AI-related skill development opportunities to two million Indians by 2025.
This collaboration aligns with India’s own ambitious initiatives in the field of artificial intelligence. Last year, the Indian government launched the IndiaAI mission, allocating over Rs 10,300 crore (approximately $1.25 billion USD) to strengthen the country’s AI ecosystem. This significant investment, approved by the Union Cabinet under PM Modi’s leadership, underscores India’s dedication to becoming a global leader in AI technology.