Google CEO: India's AI Future is "Extraordinary"

Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed substantial plans to bolster India's artificial intelligence capabilities during his visit for the AI Impact Summit 2026. He announced the creation of new subsea cable routes under the India-America Connect Initiative, designed to enhance AI connectivity between India, the US, and other global locations.

Pichai highlighted India's immense AI potential, stating it offers a chance to overcome existing gaps and create new opportunities across sectors like healthcare, education, and climate resilience. Google is also rolling out extensive skilling programs, including a professional certificate for students and early-career professionals.

A landmark collaboration with Karma Yogi Bharat aims to train 20 million public servants in 18 languages. Furthermore, support for Atal Tinkering Labs will provide generative AI assistance to over 10,000 schools, impacting 11 million students.

Google is establishing a USD 15 billion AI hub in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, which will include a gigawatt-scale compute facility and an international subsea cable gateway. This hub is expected to drive job creation and bring advanced AI benefits to India. Google also launched a USD 30 million AI for Science Impact Challenge and is partnering with local institutions like IIT Madras.

Pichai noted India's high adoption rates of AI-enabled voice and visual search, emphasizing Google's decade-long investment in AI. The Gemini app is also seeing rapid growth in India, its largest market. Google aims to make AI accessible, with AI Overviews now available in 35 new languages and AI mode in 200 countries.

Discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on infusing AI across various Indian sectors, including health, information access, startups, and agriculture. Modi expressed delight in discussing India's AI progress and potential collaboration with Google's talented workforce.