OpenAI Picks New Delhi for First India Office
OpenAI, the company behind the widely used AI chatbot ChatGPT, has announced it will open its first office in India by the end of 2025. The office will be located in New Delhi, showing the company’s intention to deepen its engagement with one of its fastest-growing markets and create new opportunities for cooperation with local partners, the government, and the dynamic Indian tech community.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, confirmed that the company is setting up its first office in India, calling it a key step toward building stronger local engagement. He said, “Opening our first office and building a local team is an important first step in our commitment to make advanced AI more accessible across the country and to build AI for India, and with India.”
This move signals OpenAI’s deeper focus on one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets. India’s large pool of engineers, researchers, and digital-first enterprises provides a strong foundation for AI development and adoption. By establishing a physical presence, the company is looking to strengthen collaboration with local partners and developers, while tailoring solutions to meet regional needs.
Big Plans for India’s Rapidly Growing AI Market
India is emerging as a major user base for OpenAI. It is now the second-largest market for ChatGPT after the United States, and user growth has soared over the past year, with the number of Indian ChatGPT users rising by over four times. The student population in India is the largest among all ChatGPT users worldwide, indicating strong adoption among young people and the potential for widespread integration into education.
In response, OpenAI recently launched the “ChatGPT Go” subscription plan in India, priced at ₹399 per month, which is much lower than its plans in other countries. The company wants its AI services to be affordable and accessible across the country, aiming to reach nearly a billion internet users.
Earlier this week, OpenAI launched its most affordable subscription in India, introducing ChatGPT Go at just ₹399 per month (around $4.75). This marks the first dedicated low-cost ChatGPT plan tailored for Indian users, aimed at reaching a wider audience and making advanced AI tools accessible to everyday consumers.
The timing of this launch is significant. It comes only days after rival Perplexity struck a high-profile deal with Bharti Airtel, offering its Pro plan free for 12 months to the telco’s massive subscriber base of more than 360 million users. The partnership instantly gave Perplexity a vast distribution advantage in one of the world’s largest digital markets.
By contrast, OpenAI’s direct-to-consumer pricing move is seen as a strategy to build long-term user loyalty while keeping the entry point affordable. With India’s young population, increasing smartphone penetration, and fast adoption of AI-powered services, both companies are competing to secure early dominance in a country that is expected to play a central role in the future of AI adoption.
Why New Delhi?
News of the office location triggered discussions online, with many tech enthusiasts wondering why New Delhi was picked over Bengaluru, India’s well-known tech hub. While Bengaluru hosts the largest developer community, New Delhi provides strategic proximity to the central government and public policy makers. OpenAI wants to work closely with the Indian government and strengthen relationships with partners in business, academia, and the development sector.
Currently, OpenAI has only one employee in India, Pragya Misra, who leads public policy and partnerships. The company has begun hiring for more roles and established an Indian legal entity, marking this as a long-term commitment.
Government Support and Policy
OpenAI’s entry aligns with India’s national strategy to embrace artificial intelligence responsibly. The government is keen to shape a trusted and inclusive AI ecosystem through the IndiaAI Mission. This involves creating a regulatory environment that promotes innovation, invests in digital and data infrastructure, and supports workforce upskilling.
The collaboration with OpenAI is expected to accelerate these efforts. Early signs point to deeper engagement with educational institutions, enterprises, and government agencies to co-develop AI solutions for real-world Indian problems – including language translation, healthcare, smart education, and public services
What’s Next for OpenAI in India?
OpenAI plans to host its first Education Summit and Developer Day in India later this year, aiming to bring students, developers, and startups together for learning and collaboration. The office in New Delhi will allow OpenAI to strengthen ties with local partners, deepen its cooperation with academic institutions, and better understand the unique needs of Indian businesses and users.
Competition in the Indian market is strong, with other AI companies like Google’s Gemini and startup Perplexity also offering advanced plans, some free of charge for Indian users. OpenAI will need to innovate and localize its products to stand out.
The company is also facing some legal challenges in India, as news outlets and publishers have raised concerns about the use of their content for AI training purposes. OpenAI has denied any wrongdoing and is expected to continue its dialogue with stakeholders as it grows its presence.
Competitive Landscape and Challenges
India’s AI sector is highly competitive. OpenAI faces challenges on several fronts. Tech giants like Google with its Gemini model and startups like Perplexity have launched rival AI services, some of which are available for free to capture larger market share. OpenAI’s aggressive pricing and investment in local partnerships are seen as a direct response to this competition.
Another challenge involves ongoing legal issues. Some news organizations and publishers have accused OpenAI of using their content without permission to train its language models. The company has denied these allegations and expressed willingness to work with the Indian government and content creators to ensure compliance.
Looking Ahead
OpenAI’s step into India comes at a crucial time, as the nation stands on the edge of widespread AI adoption across industries. With a focus on local hiring, tailored products, community engagement, and government partnerships, the New Delhi office is set to become a hub for OpenAI’s South Asian operations.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is scheduled to visit India next month to meet partners, government officials, and academic leaders, signaling the company’s long-term intent for the region. More details about the location of the New Delhi office and its future programs are expected soon.
Conclusion
The opening of OpenAI’s first office in New Delhi represents a major milestone for both the company and the Indian AI community. As ChatGPT and related technologies become more popular, this announcement points to the rising importance of India in the world of AI and the possibility for future breakthroughs powered by homegrown innovation and talent. The months ahead will reveal more details on the office location and its activities, but the message is clear: OpenAI is ready to invest seriously in India’s AI future.
