TCS partners OpenAI to build India’s first large-scale AI data centre: Chandrasekaran

Tata Group on Thursday announced a partnership with OpenAI to set up India’s first large-scale, AI-optimised data centre, starting with 100 megawatts of capacity that will eventually scale up to one gigawatt.

Making the announcement at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran said the facility will be purpose-built for next-generation AI training and inference.

“The Tata Group is establishing India’s first large-scale, AI-optimised data centre. I’m very happy to announce that we have partnered with OpenAI to build the first 100 megawatt capacity, which will scale to one gigawatt,” Chandrasekaran said.

A 1GW data centre typically costs $35 billion to $50 billion.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said, "India is already leading the way in AI adoption, and with its talent, ambition, and strong government support, it is well placed to help shape its future."

"Through OpenAI for India and our partnership with Tata Group, we’re working together to build the infrastructure, skills, and local partnerships needed to build AI with India, for India, and in India, so that more people across the country can access and benefit from it," he added.

Calling artificial intelligence the “next big infrastructure”, Chandrasekaran said AI will have an impact comparable to electricity or the internet, and urged industry and policymakers to ensure the technology reaches every citizen.

“AI is the infrastructure of intelligence. Our mission should be to make AI work for every individual and every citizen in this country,” he said, adding that India’s experience with large digital public platforms has positioned it uniquely for AI-led growth.

Chandrasekaran described India as a “nation of AI optimists”, pointing to the country’s digital identity system covering 1.4 billion people and its real-time payments network accounting for roughly half of global digital transactions.

He said the Tata Group is adopting AI across the entire stack and will work with global partners to accelerate deployment.

Highlighting AI’s potential for inclusive growth, Chandrasekaran cited a recent demonstration where rural women with no prior computing background learned to build AI-driven products and marketing campaigns within hours.

He also said AI represents the biggest opportunity yet for the IT industry, as enterprises increasingly rely on technology providers to integrate AI into core business processes and ecosystems.