ChatGPT maker OpenAI has announced plans to open its first India office in New Delhi later this year, strengthening its presence in its second-largest market by user numbers.
OpenAI Expands Footprint in India
OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, confirmed that it has been legally established in India and has already begun hiring a local team. The move highlights India’s growing importance as a global hub for AI adoption and innovation.
The decision follows the launch of OpenAI’s cheapest subscription plan globally in India this week, priced at just $4.60 (₹399) per month, aimed at nearly one billion internet users in the world’s most populous country.
Sam Altman on OpenAI’s India Commitment
In a statement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman 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.”
The New Delhi office will serve as a base to engage with local developers, businesses, and policymakers as OpenAI deepens its integration into India’s technology ecosystem.
Legal and Competitive Landscape
Despite rapid adoption, OpenAI faces legal challenges in India, with several news outlets and book publishers accusing the company of using their content without permission to train ChatGPT. The company has denied any wrongdoing.
At the same time, OpenAI is battling stiff competition from:
- Google’s Gemini has rolled out free advanced features in India.
- AI startup Perplexity has gained traction with cost-free premium offerings.
ChatGPT Usage Surges in India
OpenAI revealed that India has the largest population of student users on ChatGPT, with weekly active users quadrupling in the past year. This underscores the country’s role as a crucial growth market for AI-driven tools.
The upcoming office in New Delhi is expected to accelerate local innovation, partnerships, and the deployment of AI solutions tailored to India’s digital economy.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI to open first India office in New Delhi in 2025.
- India is OpenAI’s second-largest market by users.
- Launch of the cheapest plan at $4.60/month targets one billion internet users.
- Faces legal challenges over content usage.
- Competing with Google Gemini and Perplexity AI in India.
- The student user base in India is the largest globally, with strong growth in active usage.
