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New Delhi: OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is making its move into India with plans to open its first corporate office in New Delhi in the coming months. The expansion comes just days after the firm rolled out a ₹399 (under $5) monthly plan for Indian users, making its AI tool more accessible in one of its biggest markets.
According to a Bloomberg report, the company has already begun hiring to build a local team that can engage with India’s developer community, businesses, and the government. OpenAI currently has only one official presence in India through Pragya Misra, who leads public policy and partnerships for the company.
India is ChatGPT’s second-largest market by users, and the demand has only been rising. A stronger on-ground presence will allow the company to collaborate more closely with policymakers and tap into India’s huge pool of tech talent. The firm has also committed support to the government’s $1.2 billion (₹10,440 crore) IndiaAI Mission, which focuses on building language models suited to the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
The timing also reflects OpenAI’s intent to play a role in shaping early AI regulations in India. With governments worldwide pushing for rules on artificial intelligence, India’s decisions are likely to influence global frameworks. However, the market has posed challenges for foreign tech firms before, with regulatory hurdles and shifting policies.
OpenAI confirmed that it will host its first developer day in India later this year. This signals a push to build an active ecosystem around its tools and services, encouraging developers to innovate with ChatGPT and other AI systems.
The office and hiring drive mark a strategic step. With more staff on the ground, the company hopes to deepen ties with enterprises and startups across sectors, from education and healthcare to finance and media.
Earlier this week, OpenAI rolled out its cheapest plan yet for India at ₹399 per month, targeted at users who want more features without paying for the higher-tier premium packages. This plan joins the free version and other paid tiers, widening the platform’s reach in price-sensitive markets like India.
OpenAI’s entry underlines India’s position as one of the most important markets for global AI companies. With its growing developer base, government-backed initiatives, and strong consumer adoption, the country offers both an opportunity and a test ground for the future of AI.
The New Delhi office, expected to open in a few months, is likely to become the hub for OpenAI’s regional operations and a base for shaping its India strategy in the years ahead.