PM Modi welcomes AirTrunk's Rs 3 lakh crore investment plan in India, highlights digital economy push

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday welcomed Blackstone-backed AirTrunk's proposed investment programme of Rs 3 lakh crore in India by 2030 to expand digital infrastructure capacity, signalling one of the country's largest proposed investments in data centres, cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.He said that the investment plan reflected the growing strength of India's digital infrastructure ecosystem.In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: "India's digital infrastructure journey is gathering remarkable momentum. AirTrunk has announced plans to invest around Rs. 3 lakh crore ($30 billion) in India, and develop 5 GW of data centre capacity. This is among the largest proposed investments in the country’s digital infrastructure ecosystem." "Such investments will strengthen India's position as a global hub for cloud computing and AI, while generating employment opportunities, supporting local supply chains and accelerating innovation-led growth. It is clear that the future of the world's digital economy is increasingly being shaped in India!" he added.In a statement, the company said the proposed investment programme would help support India's ambition of becoming a global hub for AI and cloud infrastructure while creating jobs, boosting economic activity and strengthening the country's technology ecosystem. "The company's proposed development pipeline in India, across multiple states and union territories, would support India's ambition to become a global destination for AI and cloud infrastructure investment while generating significant economic activity, employment, and technology ecosystem growth," the statement read.The announcement comes shortly after AirTrunk entered the Indian market through the acquisition of Lumina CloudInfra in April this year.Following the acquisition, the company's existing development pipeline in India includes around 600 megawatts (MW) of capacity across Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad, three of the country's largest data centre markets.AirTrunk founder and chief executive officer Robin Khuda said the company is now looking to significantly expand its commitment to India following discussions with government leaders."Capital is mobile, and India is creating the conditions for it to thrive," Khuda said.Explaining the rationale behind the investment, Khuda said India has adopted a strong policy-led approach towards AI development and offers several advantages for global technology investors."Capital is mobile, and India is creating the conditions for it to thrive. India is taking a top-down approach to AI with clear government-led initiatives, a world-class talent pool and massive availability of renewable energy. We were bullish on India before entering the market through Lumina. Following our discussions with government leaders this week, we're looking to double down on that commitment," he added.During his visit to India, Khuda met representatives of the central government as well as ministers from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.According to the company, discussions focused on ways to accelerate investment in cloud computing and AI infrastructure, including access to reliable power supply, renewable energy, sustainable water resources, talent development and faster project approvals.The talks also examined how better coordination between state and central governments could support large-scale digital infrastructure projects.Khuda praised India's digital transformation efforts and said government initiatives have helped create a favourable environment for long-term technology investment."Prime Minister Modi's vision for India's digital economy has helped create one of the world's most compelling destinations for technology investment," he said."India has the scale, talent and ambition required to become a global AI powerhouse. AirTrunk is excited to support that vision through long-term and transformative investment, infrastructure development, community programs and partnership," he added.As AI adoption accelerates globally, AirTrunk said countries with strong digital infrastructure will be best positioned to attract investment, innovation and high-value jobs.