India among most attractive destinations for digital infrastructure investments: AirTrunk CEO
By Ayushi Agarwal, New Delhi, June 5
India is emerging as one of the world's most attractive destinations for long-term digital infrastructure investment, AirTrunk Founder and Chief Executive Officer Robin Khuda said, as the company announced plans to invest around Rs 3 lakh crore and develop 5 GW of data centre capacity in the country.
Speaking exclusively to ANI, Khuda said the global race for artificial intelligence is increasingly being driven by infrastructure capabilities, placing India at the centre of future digital growth.
"The AI race isn't just about technology anymore, it's about infrastructure. India is putting itself in the conversation as one of the world's most attractive destinations for long-term digital infrastructure investment," Khuda told ANI.
He said India's intent to compete for global digital infrastructure investments has strengthened AirTrunk's confidence in scaling up its plans in the country.
"India has made it clear it intends to compete for that investment, which is why we're looking at one of the largest digital infrastructure programs in our company's history. Our increase in scale comes from increase in our conviction in India. The opportunity today is bigger than when we entered the market just a few months ago," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also welcomed the announcement, saying India's digital infrastructure journey is gathering "remarkable momentum."
In a post on X, PM Modi said AirTrunk's proposed investment is among the largest in India's digital infrastructure ecosystem and would strengthen the country's position as a global hub for cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
"Such investments will strengthen India's position as a global hub for cloud computing and AI, while generating employment opportunities, supporting local supply chains and accelerating innovation-led growth," the Prime Minister said.
Backed by Blackstone - one of the largest foreign investors in India - and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), AirTrunk's proposed investment program would rank among the largest digital infrastructure initiatives currently being considered in the country and help enable the next wave of cloud and artificial intelligence growth.
The company's proposed development pipeline in India, across multiple states and union territories, would support India's ambition to become a global destination for AI and cloud infrastructure investment while generating significant economic activity, employment, and technology ecosystem growth.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone working in IT, this is very encouraging. But I hope the benefits reach beyond just metros like Mumbai and Bangalore. Smaller cities also need such infrastructure to truly democratize AI and cloud computing in India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Impressive numbers, but 5 GW data center capacity requires massive electricity. Already our grid is stressed. Hope they also invest in renewable energy to power these data centers. AirTrunk should be forced to use green energy for at least 50% of the capacity. Otherwise we're just creating new environmental problems while chasing digital dreams. 🏭🔌
This is fantastic! Finally India is being recognized not just as a market but as a destination for building world-class infrastructure. The mention of "multiple states and union territories" gives me hope that this development won't be limited to big cities. PM Modi's digital India vision is paying off in a big way. Well done! 👏
Happy to see global confidence in India, but let's not get carried away. The article mentions "proposed investment" - these are just plans on paper. We've seen many MoUs signed but never implemented. Also, AirTrunk is an Australian company backed by Blackstone - our digital sovereignty could be compromised if we depend too heavily on foreign infrastructure for critical AI and cloud computing. Need a balanced approach with strong Indian players too. 🤔
As a startup founder working with AI, this news gives me chills (the good kind
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