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OpenAI Sets Sights on India with New Delhi Office and Local Initiatives

Cansin Cengiz

22 Aug 2025 — 3 min read

OpenAI Expands into India: New Delhi Office and Local Engagement

OpenAI is making a significant move in the global AI landscape by announcing plans to open its first Indian office in New Delhi. This expansion comes on the heels of the company launching a dedicated ChatGPT plan for Indian users, signaling a deepening commitment to one of the world’s fastest-growing technology markets.

Building a Local Presence in New Delhi

The new office in New Delhi will serve as OpenAI’s regional hub, supporting collaborations with partners, government agencies, businesses, developers, and academic institutions. The company has already started hiring for its local team, aiming to adapt its AI solutions to better suit the needs of Indian users and enterprises.

OpenAI recently appointed Pragya Mishra, formerly of Truecaller and Meta, as its public policy and partnerships lead in India.
Rishi Jaitly, ex-head of Twitter India, has joined as a senior advisor to facilitate AI policy discussions with the Indian government.

Why India? The Strategic Importance

India is the world’s second-largest internet and smartphone market, making it a strategic choice for AI companies. OpenAI is competing with global tech giants such as Google and Meta, as well as rising AI startups, all vying for access to India’s vast user base.

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, emphasized the company’s commitment: “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.”

Initiatives Tailored for India

In addition to its physical presence, OpenAI is rolling out new initiatives for Indian users:

ChatGPT Go: A sub-$5 ChatGPT plan (₹399/month) designed to make advanced AI tools accessible to a broader audience in India.
Education Summit: OpenAI will host its first Education Summit in India to support learning and innovation in AI.
Developer Day: The company plans its inaugural Developer Day in India later this year to engage local developers and startups.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

While the Indian market presents vast opportunities, it also brings challenges, particularly around monetization in a price-sensitive environment. OpenAI, like other AI firms, must find effective strategies to convert free users into paying subscribers.

Competition is heating up as rivals like Perplexity have partnered with Bharti Airtel to offer AI-powered services to millions of Indian users. Additionally, OpenAI faces integration challenges with local businesses and ongoing legal disputes related to content usage.

India’s Growing AI Ecosystem

The Indian government is actively promoting AI across sectors through initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission. According to Indian IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, “OpenAI’s decision to establish a presence in India reflects the country’s growing leadership in digital innovation and AI adoption.”

OpenAI’s expansion in India follows its earlier moves into other Asian markets, including offices in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. However, India’s unique combination of tech talent, a thriving developer ecosystem, and government support positions it as a key player in the future of AI.

Looking Ahead

As OpenAI ramps up its activities in India, its focus will be on building meaningful partnerships, understanding local needs, and contributing to the nation’s AI journey. The company aims to balance accessibility, innovation, and responsible AI growth as it deepens its footprint in the region.