‘India’s single largest FDI after Independence’: Nara Lokesh on Google’s $15 bn AI hub in Vizag

On April 28, Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, alongside Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, inaugurated the foundation for Google's monumental AI data center hub in Visakhapatnam. This project marks Google's largest foreign direct investment in India, totaling $15 billion, set to be deployed over the next five years. State IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed his enthusiasm at the ceremony, stating, "We are rewriting history." He emphasized the significance of this investment, proclaiming it as the largest FDI in India since independence. Lokesh underscored the leadership's dedication to advancing technology in the region, particularly highlighting Naidu's pivotal role. In his keynote address, Vaishnaw likened the transformation of Visakhapatnam to the development of Hyderabad's IT corridor, coining the term "AI-Patnam" for the city. He remarked, "I think Visakhapatnam will be reborn as AI-Patnam. Like Cyberabad, it will become AI-Patnam." The expansive Google AI data center project will cover 600 acres across three sites: Rambilli, Adavivaram, and Tarluvada. Initially, it will have a capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW), with plans for future expansion to 5 GW. Lokesh conveyed optimism about cultivating a vibrant tech ecosystem, stating, "We are trying to build this entire vibrant ecosystem in a very proactive manner. I’m sure we will be the IT giant in the future." Additionally, the data center will facilitate the establishment of an international subsea cable landing station, significantly enhancing global internet connectivity and data transfer speeds. Vaishnaw noted that these cables will link India to various regions, including Australia, the U.S. West Coast, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Collaborating with Google and the Andhra Pradesh government, AdaniConnex and Airtel will also be instrumental in developing this AI hub, with Adani focusing on data-center infrastructure and renewable energy, while Airtel will manage the fiber-optic network and subsea cable landing station.