Digital Realty's Bold $11 Billion Gambit to Transform India's AI Landscape

In an audacious move set to reshape India’s technological horizon, US-based real estate investment giant Digital Realty is partnering with Brookefield Corporation and Reliance Industries to invest a staggering $11 billion in developing India’s AI data capacity. This ambitious project aims to establish a massive AI-native data center spanning 400 acres in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, setting the stage for an AI revolution in the region.

A Strategic Leap Forward

Visakhapatnam, known for its picturesque beaches and rich cultural heritage, is poised to become a technological hub with this new data center campus. The initiative’s purpose is not only to boost Digital Realty’s footprint in the Asian market but also to position India as a pivotal player in the global AI landscape. According to The American Bazaar, India’s data center capacity is set to more than triple, reaching an impressive 4.5 gigawatts by 2030.

Global Giants Eyeing India

This venture isn’t happening in isolation. The global tech community is converging on India, recognizing its potential as a prime AI development ground. Google has unveiled plans for their largest AI hub outside the US in the same region, and Nvidia has committed $2 billion to foster deep tech startups through initiatives like the India Deep Tech Alliance.

Collaboration for Next-Gen Solutions

Digital Realty’s recent collaboration with Nvidia in Northern Virginia exemplifies the type of synergy they aim to replicate in India. This collaboration is focused on designing next-generation AI infrastructure, tackling complex challenges such as advanced cooling and power management, essential for AI’s demanding workloads.

Driving Innovation and Growth

Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer at Digital Realty, emphasized the need for collaboration in addressing AI’s unique infrastructure demands, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in overcoming technical barriers to scale AI deployment.

A Boon for Indian Startups

This influx of investment is a golden opportunity for Indian startups. Nvidia’s role in the scene, through training sessions offered by their Deep Learning Institute, showcases a commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering innovation.

As the wheels of this gargantuan project begin to turn, the momentum generated by Digital Realty and its associates not only promises to catapult India into the AI limelight but also invites a global audience to witness the unfolding of a transformative technological era in Visakhapatnam.