OpenAI to Open First India Office in New Delhi This Year

OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, is set to open its first physical office in New Delhi, India, later this year, marking a significant step in its international expansion strategy. India, home to the second-largest user base for ChatGPT globally, presents a strategic market for OpenAI, which aims to build AI tools tailored for local needs and make them more accessible and affordable. The company, supported by Microsoft, has formally established an entity in India and is in the process of hiring a local team [1]. At present, the firm has only one employee in the country, Pragya Mishra, but is actively expanding its workforce [2].

The initiative is part of the IndiaAI Mission, a national effort to foster innovation and adoption of artificial intelligence. OpenAI has expressed its intent to collaborate closely with Indian stakeholders, including the government, businesses, and educational institutions, to develop AI solutions that are better suited to the Indian context [3]. Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, emphasized the country’s potential in the AI space, citing India’s strong tech talent, a thriving developer ecosystem, and supportive government policies [4].

OpenAI has also launched a more affordable version of its product, ChatGPT Go, priced at ₹399 per month, with support for UPI payments. The firm has introduced an AI Academy in partnership with India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to educate professionals and students about AI. Furthermore, the company is developing new AI models, such as GPT-5, with improved performance in Indian languages [5].

The Indian government has welcomed the move, with Ashwini Vaishnaw, the country’s tech minister, highlighting that it reflects India’s growing influence in digital innovation. He stated that the IndiaAI Mission is focused on building an inclusive and trustworthy AI ecosystem and that OpenAI’s presence will contribute to this vision [6]. However, OpenAI faces competition in India from Google’s Gemini and the startup Perplexity, both of which offer advanced AI tools for free to many users in the country [7].

The decision to open an office in New Delhi reflects the increasing demand for AI solutions in India’s enterprise and consumer markets. OpenAI’s move is expected to facilitate closer collaboration with local developers, startups, and government agencies, positioning the company for sustained growth in the region [8].

Industry analysts suggest that India’s large pool of skilled IT professionals and its rapidly growing AI adoption make it a strategic market for global tech firms. OpenAI has not disclosed specific operational timelines but has indicated that the office is expected to open within the next few months, with hiring already in progress [9].

This expansion highlights the broader trend of international technology firms entering the Indian market. As AI adoption accelerates, companies like OpenAI are investing in localized operations to better serve regional needs and tap into India’s dynamic tech landscape [1].

Sources:

[1] OpenAI to Expand in India With First Office and Hiring Drive (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-22/openai-to-expand-in-india-with-first-office-and-hiring-drive)

[2] OpenAI to Open New Delhi Office as It Bulks Up India (https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/openai-to-open-new-delhi-office-as-it-bulks-up-india-presence-e4c059c4?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAi36X1WclwZiXIkO9mlmnglj26tU0Yc0iM0LlUdJBReufuefc2-lPMo&gaa_sig=TbmgH1HnairFFjOV-w8_czbXyiOSEn3bADQFZX22DMkWBX1HzowkbEc5BbPDydP_GxTDeSWoaybI_dlxqLb1Qg%3D%3D&gaa_ts=68a855e8)

[3] OpenAI announces New Delhi office as it expands footprint in (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/openai-announces-delhi-office-expands-060618622.html?.tsrc=rss)

[4] OpenAI sets foot in India: Office location, launch date, govt (https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/openai-sets-foot-in-india-office-location-launch-date-govt-collab-details-10175****556500.html)

[5] OpenAI to set up first India office in New Delhi, hiring for local (https://bestcolleges.indiatoday.in/news-detail/openai-to-set-up-first-india-office-in-new-delhi-hiring-for-local-team-begins-5179)

[6] OpenAI to Open First India Office in New Delhi (https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-in/news-and-trends/openai-to-open-first-india-office-in-new-delhi/496222)

[7] OpenAI to open first India office in New Delhi this year (https://thefederal.com/category/business/openai-open-first-india-office-in-new-delhi-this-year-202924)

[8] OpenAI set to launch 1st office in Delhi, plans India debut (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/openai-plans-india-debut-set-to-launch-1st-office-in-delhi/articleshow/123445853.cms)

[9] OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has announced its plans to open its first office in New Delhi, India, later this year. The firm took this initiative because India has the second-largest number of users for its AI chatbot ChatGPT globally, following the United States. As reported by Reuters, the new office will help OpenAI work closely with the Indian government, developers, businesses, and schools as part of the IndiaAI Mission. The firm aims to create AI tools that are easy, cheaper, and better suited to Indian users. The US tech giant Microsoft has backed OpenAI, which has formally established an entity in India and is hiring a local team. OpenAI is in the process of augmenting its current workforce in India. At present, the firm has only one employee in India, Pragya Mishra. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, told CNBC, “The level of excitement and opportunity for AI in India is incredible. India has all the ingredients to become a global AI leader: amazing tech talent, a world-class developer ecosystem, and strong government support through the IndiaAI Mission.” He further stated that establishing the first office in New Delhi and forming a local team is a key milestone in OpenAI’s efforts to make advanced AI widely available in India. He emphasized that this move reflects the company’s dedication to creating AI solutions specifically designed for India, in collaboration with the country’s people and institutions. The Indian government is pleased about OpenAI’s decision to open an office in New Delhi and supports its plan to expand AI in the country. India’s tech minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, told CNBC that “OpenAI’s decision to establish a presence in India reflects the country’s growing leadership in digital innovation and AI adoption.” He further added, “As part of the IndiaAI Mission, we are building the ecosystem for trusted and inclusive AI, and we welcome OpenAI’s partnership in advancing this vision to ensure that the benefits of AI reach every citizen.” At present, the firm is facing tough competition in India from Google’s Gemini and a startup called Perplexity. Both Gemini and Perplexity are offering their advanced AI tools for free to many users in India. OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Go and AI Academy in India To connect better with India, the firm has launched its ChatGPT Go, a cheaper plan costing ₹399 per month that supports UPI payments. OpenAI has also started its Academy in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT to teach people about AI. The firm’s new AI model, the GPT-5, works better with Indian languages. OpenAI is also planning its first Education Summit in India later this month, followed by a Developer Day to engage more with local communities.