Microsoft has announced a $3 billion (Rs 25,000 crores) investment in India to accelerate the development of AI. Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, confirmed the plans at the Microsoft AI Tour 2025 in Bengaluru. The company has also announced new programs to upskill local talent and set up new data centres in the country. Here are the top five takeaways from Microsoft’s plans in India.
AI Is Lowering the Floor and Raising the Ceiling for Productivity – Satya Nadella
Microsoft has confirmed its single-biggest expansion plan globally, in India. The company will develop world-class AI and IT infrastructure, including, data centres, Azure Regions, and other projects.
Satya mentions India already has six of the 60 Azure centres that Microsoft owns globally. While he did not reveal the exact number, the figure will rise exponentially over the next few years. Microsoft will also collaborate with local companies to set up these data centres. The company recently developed two Azure centres in collaboration with Jio.
He further added that these development plans are aligned with the government schemes under the leadership of Hon PM Narendra Modi. The motive of these projects is not just to expand the data centres but also to use AI, the expertise of Microsoft CoPilot, and other resources to streamline the workflow system making it more efficient.
Skill Development Programs for Indian Talent
Microsoft says India is currently the second largest contributor to Generative AI projects, behind the United States. The company will soon start skill development programs in the country to help over 5,00,000 young engineers, students, and other talented individuals learn the skills necessary for developing AI programs by 2026.
Satya mentioned that this will prepare the next generation of engineers for the demanding job market. He also highlighted the increasing applications of AI at an enterprise level.
Microsoft to Collaborate with Indian Startups
Microsoft will be partnering with Indian startups to help them accelerate their development using artificial intelligence. The company will share its resources and expertise in AI-driven solutions. Microsoft is looking to partner in multiple fields, going beyond IT and Core Technology.
Satya said Microsoft will work closely with companies in AgriTech, Healthcare and Biotechnology, and even EdTech. The company will also help in the development of AI chatbots, analytical tools, and other utilities that accelerate the pace of work in existing IT industries.
Use of AI in Farming and Agriculture
This was one of the most groundbreaking announcements from Microsoft. The company plans to help Indian farmers in precision farming using artificial intelligence. Microsoft will use its large language models to analyse the rain patterns, soil types, and other natural factors on which agriculture is largely dependent.
Microsoft will share these insights with farms and the Indian government to help them with the best farming strategy. For example, suggesting the type of crops to grow based on climate prediction, use of specific fertilizers, disease detection in crops, and more.
Microsoft will also partner with local Agritech startups to improve access to small-scale technology for all farmers. This includes modern methods of irrigation, crop storage, and other measures, which will help to reduce crop wastage right from growing to harvesting and storing.
AI in Healthcare
Microsoft will explore the applications of AI in the healthcare industry. This will include building AI models for diagnostics to detect diseases and other potential health hazards. The company will use analytical models to predict the risk of certain diseases to an individual.
The plans also include the use of AI in offering personalized treatment to a person, based on their body type and other genetic factors. This will help speed a person’s recovery process more efficiently.
Microsoft will also help hospitals and other institutions to maintain electronic health records. It will make it easier for doctors to understand a person’s medical history and offer the best treatment accordingly.
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