Microsoft Pledges $17 Billion for India’s ‘Leap’ to AI | PYMNTS.com

The investment, which the company called its largest ever in Asia, was announced Tuesday (Dec. 9) after CEO Satya Nadella met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the country’s AI vision.

“Microsoft’s investment in India focuses on three pillars—scale, skills and sovereignty—aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of building a comprehensive ecosystem that drives AI innovation and access at a national scale,” the company said in its announcement.

“Together, Microsoft and India are poised to set new benchmarks and drive the country’s leap from digital public infrastructure to AI public infrastructure in the coming decade. We are shaping a future that is more equitable and uniquely Indian in its scale and impact.”

The new funds are set to be dispersed across a four-year period beginning in 2026 and through 2029 and follow an additional $3…