New Delhi: Tech giant Google on Wednesday announced a major expansion of its artificial intelligence (AI) footprint in India, unveiling new subsea cable routes linking India and the United States, a $30 million global AI science challenge, and large-scale skilling programs aimed at students and public sector workers.
Speaking at a media event on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said India is poised for an “extraordinary trajectory” in AI and will play a central role in the company’s long-term strategy.
India–America Connect Initiative
Pichai announced the India–America Connect Initiative, a new series of subsea cable routes designed to significantly enhance AI connectivity between the US, India, and several locations across the Southern Hemisphere. The initiative aims to support the growing demand for AI-driven computing, data flow, and cloud services.
The announcement builds on Google’s previously revealed $15 billion AI hub in Visakhapatnam, which will feature a gigawatt-scale compute facility and an international subsea cable gateway.
“AI is the biggest platform shift of our lifetime,” Pichai said, adding that for countries like India, the technology offers a chance to leapfrog longstanding development gaps.
Focus on Skilling and Inclusion
Google also rolled out major skilling initiatives in India. These include the Google AI Professional Certificate Program for students and early-career professionals, and a partnership with Karma Yogi Bharat to train 20 million public servants across 800 districts in 18 Indian languages.
In addition, Google will provide generative AI support to more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, reaching approximately 11 million students nationwide.
“To take advantage of this infrastructure, we must also invest in people,” Pichai said.
$30 Million AI for Science Challenge
On the research front, Google launched a $30 million AI for Science Impact Challenge, aimed at supporting researchers worldwide who are using AI to accelerate breakthroughs in areas such as quantum computing, climate modeling, and advanced scientific discovery.
Through Google DeepMind, the company is also partnering with Indian institutions, including IIT Madras, to expand access to cutting-edge AI tools and research capabilities.
High-Level Engagements
Earlier in the day, Pichai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where discussions focused on AI adoption in healthcare, education, agriculture, startups, and multilingual access to information.
“It was a delight to meet Mr. Sundar Pichai,” Modi said in a social media post, highlighting collaboration opportunities with India’s students and professionals in AI.
India’s Growing AI Adoption
Pichai noted that India ranks among the world’s most optimistic and fast-adopting AI markets, particularly in voice and visual search. He added that products like AI-powered search summaries and the Gemini app are seeing strong growth in the country, supported by India’s robust digital public infrastructure.
“Google has a full-stack commitment to India,” Pichai said. “I have never been more excited about the future we are building together.”