Davos WEF 2026: OpenAI bets big on India with free ChatGPT access, says Christopher Lehane

OpenAI is strategically focusing on India as a pivotal part of its global outreach, offering free access to ChatGPT to reinforce its dedication to widespread AI integration in the nation. During a discussion with Business Today at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Christopher Lehane, OpenAI’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, highlighted that India has now become the company's second-largest consumer market after the United States and is one of its fastest-growing regions. Lehane stated, "In the past year, we’ve witnessed a remarkable 2.5 times growth in India. It is now our second-largest consumer market worldwide and ranks among the top five countries for developers." He emphasized that India is not merely a testing ground but a critical market for OpenAI's future initiatives. Since November 2025, Indian users have enjoyed free access to ChatGPT, positioning the country as one of the largest markets with open access to cutting-edge AI technologies. Lehane remarked that this move signifies OpenAI’s conviction that India will significantly benefit from the ongoing AI revolution. "We will maintain a free baseline model. We've even made more advanced models available at no cost in India, reflecting our long-term commitment," he added. "India is at the top of our priority list." OpenAI has also initiated global advertising trials to support free access, aimed at ensuring that AI remains accessible while enabling continued investment in research, safety, and infrastructure. "By testing ads, we hope to allow more individuals to benefit from AI without incurring costs. However, free access will always be a core aspect of our strategy," Lehane noted. He praised India’s vast scale, robust developer ecosystem, and rapid adoption of technology, all of which uniquely position the nation for the next wave of AI-driven growth. "India is not just training excellent engineers; it is cultivating world-class AI researchers," he asserted. "This isn’t merely about social media. AI is a productivity-enhancing technology—akin to electricity, where we provide the power for entire industries to innovate." According to OpenAI, over 850 million people around the globe regularly utilize AI tools, with more than four million developers and one million companies leveraging its technology. India has emerged as one of the top markets for OpenAI in both consumer engagement and developer activity. Dismissive of claims that AI is merely a passing trend, Lehane cited OpenAI's data indicating that effective AI usage can yield a sevenfold increase in economic productivity. "AI is a foundational technology, like the wheel or the semiconductor," he explained. "Countries that embrace AI will experience swift economic progress, while those that do not may fall behind." Looking ahead, with India set to host a significant global AI summit later this year, Lehane believes the country will play a crucial role in defining the future of the Intelligence Age. "India stands as one of the most vital countries for OpenAI," he concluded, noting that its demographic, growth trajectory, and international significance place it at the forefront of the AI revolution.