Print

PM Modi welcomes AirTrunk’s Rs 3 lakh crore investment plan in India’s digital infrastructure

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday welcomed global data centre operator AirTrunk’s announcement to invest more than ₹3 lakh crore (US$30 billion) in India by 2030, describing it as one of the largest proposed investments in the country’s digital infrastructure ecosystem.

The investment, backed by global investors Blackstone and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, aims to develop 5 gigawatts (GW) of data centre capacity across multiple states and Union Territories, significantly boosting India’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “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.”

He added, “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!”

AirTrunk announced that India would become a cornerstone of its global growth strategy and one of its most significant long-term investment destinations. The company said the proposed investment programme would rank among the largest digital infrastructure initiatives currently under consideration in the country.

The announcement follows AirTrunk’s entry into the Indian market through the acquisition of Lumina CloudInfra in April 2026. Through the acquisition, the company has already secured a development pipeline of 600 MW of data centre capacity across Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad.

AirTrunk Founder and Chief Executive Officer Robin Khuda said India offers a compelling environment for long-term technology investments due to its strong government support for AI, abundant renewable energy resources and highly skilled workforce.

“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,” Khuda said, adding that discussions with government leaders had reinforced the company’s confidence in expanding its commitment to the country.

During his visit, Khuda met senior government representatives and ministers in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to discuss ways to accelerate investment in cloud and AI infrastructure. The discussions focused on access to reliable power, renewable energy, sustainable water supply, talent development, streamlined approvals and coordination between state and central governments.

The company noted that India’s ambitious digital initiatives, including the IndiaAI Mission and the India Semiconductor Mission, have created a favourable environment for large-scale technology investments.

AirTrunk said its planned 5 GW data centre expansion would generate substantial economic activity by creating thousands of jobs during construction and operations while strengthening local supply chains and attracting further investments from global cloud and AI companies.

The company also highlighted that digital infrastructure is becoming as critical to economic growth as roads, ports and power networks, with nations possessing robust digital ecosystems expected to attract greater innovation, investment and high-value employment opportunities in the AI era.

India has increasingly emerged as a key destination for global data centre investments, driven by rapid digitalisation, growing cloud adoption and the government’s push to build advanced technology infrastructure. AirTrunk’s proposed investment is expected to further strengthen the country’s position as a leading digital and AI hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

RELATED ARTICLES

2 hours ago

Centre eases FPI norms, expands access to G-Sec market to attract long-term foreign capital

The Centre on Friday announced a series of reforms easing investment norms for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and widening access to government securities (G-Secs). The measures include allowing individual Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs) ...

2 hours ago | Economic Growth

India’s economy grows 7.7% in FY 2025-26; Q4 growth accelerates to 7.8%

India's economy expanded by 7.7 percent in real terms during the financial year 2025-26, while growth accelerated to 7.8 percent in the January–March quarter, according to the Provisional Estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) released by the Mi...

2 hours ago | Indian equity markets

Markets end lower after MPC keeps repo rate unchanged

Indian equity markets ended lower on Friday as investors reacted to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision and continued to assess global economic uncertainties. The benchmark indices closed lower, with the Nifty declining 49.85 points, or 0.2...