New Delhi: OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has announced plans to open its first office in New Delhi, India, later this year, signalling its commitment to support India’s AI ecosystem and the government’s IndiaAI mission. This move aims to better serve the millions of users in the country, including students, educators, professionals, and developers, who utilise OpenAI’s tools for learning, creativity, and problem-solving.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, highlighted India’s potential as a global AI leader, citing its exceptional tech talent, world-class developer ecosystem, and strong government backing through the IndiaAI Mission. The new office will allow OpenAI to build AI “for India, and with India,” making advanced AI more accessible across the nation.

India is currently the second-largest market for ChatGPT after the US, showing rapid growth with a more than fourfold increase in weekly active users over the past year. India also ranks among the top five developer markets on the OpenAI platform and has the largest population of ChatGPT student users worldwide.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed OpenAI’s entry, emphasising India’s leadership in digital innovation, AI adoption, and its efforts to build a trusted, inclusive AI ecosystem under the IndiaAI Mission.

While the exact location of the New Delhi office is not yet confirmed, OpenAI has established a legal entity in India and is recruiting a local team. This team will focus on strengthening partnerships with local governments, businesses, developers, and academic institutions, and tailoring AI tools specifically for India to make advanced AI more affordable and accessible nationwide.

Indian businesses are already leveraging OpenAI’s tools to address major challenges such as AI-powered agriculture services, efficient recruitment processes, and improved governance.

OpenAI plans to host its first Education Summit in India this month and its inaugural Developer Day later this year to engage with India’s growing AI community. Further announcements about the office and OpenAI’s activities in India are expected soon, with active hiring underway to build the local presence.

With inputs from IANS