Google is significantly expanding its presence in India by increasing its data centre operations. Following a notable announcement at the Google for India event, which highlighted how businesses can now store data and run machine-learning processes for its Gemini 1.5 Flash AI model locally, the tech giant has taken further steps to bolster its cloud infrastructure in the Google data centres in India.
Increased Investment in Cloud Infrastructure
In an interview with the Economic Times, Bikram Singh Bedi, Google Cloud India's Vice President and Managing Director, highlighted that India is among the fastest-growing regions globally for Google Cloud. The rapid adoption of cloud solutions in the country has driven the company's decision to increase its investment in cloud capacity. This expansion will better meet the rising demand for cloud services, particularly in machine learning and AI. Google is focusing on making India a key player in its AI strategy by enabling local businesses to store data and run processes in-country.
Navi Mumbai Data Centre Acquisition
A report from Data Centre Dynamics earlier this year suggested that Google is nearing the acquisition of a 22.5-acre land parcel in Navi Mumbai. The property, owned by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and leased to Gramercy Trade Industries, is set to be the site for Google’s first self-built data centre in India. The deal is reportedly valued at around Rs 850 crore ($102 million) and is expected to be finalized soon. This will mark a significant shift as Google moves from leasing to constructing its own facility.
The new data centre is anticipated to have substantial capacity, possibly running into hundreds of megawatts, given the large size of the land. Google has previously leased data centre spaces in locations like Navi Mumbai and Noida, including a major deal with Adani in 2022.
Strengthening India’s AI and Cloud Ecosystem
This expansion in Navi Mumbai is part of a larger strategy to strengthen Google’s position in India's AI and cloud ecosystem. India has become a crucial market for global cloud service providers, and Google’s move to introduce its advanced AI model closer to local businesses underscores its long-term commitment to the region.
Google’s AI and cloud solutions are already being embraced by several prominent Indian organizations, including HDFC Ergo, Federal Bank, the Mahindra Group, Apollo Hospitals, and IndiGo. The development of new data centres is expected to bring more capacity and opportunities for innovation, reinforcing India’s role in Google's broader AI and cloud expansion.
Collaborations and Sustainability Goals
In addition to infrastructure, Google is also focusing on sustainability. Recently, Google and Adani announced a collaboration to support Google’s energy requirements, furthering their collective sustainability goals. This partnership will help add more clean energy to the Indian grid, ensuring that Google’s expansion is environmentally responsible as well.
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Conclusion
Google data centres in India, Google's plans to expand its data centres, especially with the potential acquisition in Navi Mumbai, underscore its commitment to bolstering India’s AI and cloud capabilities. This development is part of a broader strategy to position Google as a leading tech player in India's evolving digital landscape, with the company actively investing in both infrastructure and sustainability to drive growth and innovation.
