OpenAI will open its first Indian office in New Delhi later this year, reflecting the country’s importance. The office will support local hiring, new subscription plans and educational initiatives.
OpenAI’s India Expansion
OpenAI, the San Francisco–based research lab behind ChatGPT, is preparing to establish its first corporate office in India later this year, a move that underscores the country’s growing importance to the company. Over the past year India has emerged as OpenAI’s second‑largest market by number of users, and the company has formally registered a legal entity in New Delhi and begun hiring to build a local team.
New Delhi Office Launch:
The new office will be located in New Delhi and is expected to open before the end of 2025. Chief executive Sam Altman said the company wants to “make advanced AI accessible across the country” and build AI systems “for and with India.” Indian information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed the plan, noting that India’s digital infrastructure and talent pool make it an ideal location for AI research and product development.
Subscription Plans for India:
OpenAI has also begun rolling out new subscription tiers for ChatGPT users in India. In August the company introduced ChatGPT Go, a low‑cost mobile plan priced at ₹399 (about US$4.60) per month, along with standard and Plus tiers. The company says its user base in India has quadrupled in recent months. The new office will support local business development, partnerships and educational programs such as an OpenAI Academy and an AI literacy initiative in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Market Competition and Challenges:
Analysts say the expansion reflects both demand for generative AI in India and intensifying competition among U.S. tech giants. Google and Meta have invested heavily in the Indian market, and search start‑up Perplexity is building its own R&D center in Bangalore. OpenAI faces regulatory scrutiny, with Indian publishers and media groups accusing it of using their content without permission, though the company says it is working with regulators and rights holders.
Global Significance and Outlook.
OpenAI’s New Delhi office will be one of its few physical locations outside the United States and Europe, highlighting the company’s global ambitions. By establishing a local presence, OpenAI hopes to tailor its models to Indian languages and contexts while tapping into the country’s engineering talent. With the launch of ChatGPT Go and plans for developer events and educational partnerships, the company signals a long‑term commitment to one of the world’s fastest‑growing digital economies.
The move reflects growing demand for generative AI in India and intensifying competition. By establishing a local presence, OpenAI aims to make advanced AI accessible across India and collaborate with local partners.
