AirTrunk commits $30B to build 5GW of AI data centers in India

Australian data center operator AirTrunk has announced a massive $30 billion investment to build 5 gigawatts (GW) of data center capacity in India, targeting the surging demand for AI computing infrastructure. The commitment, reported by TechCrunch on Friday, marks one of the largest foreign investments in India's digital infrastructure and underscores the country's growing importance as a global hub for artificial intelligence workloads.

The 5GW capacity will be developed over several phases, with the first facilities expected to come online by 2028. AirTrunk plans to leverage India's renewable energy resources, aiming to power the data centers with 100% clean energy. The company will partner with local energy providers to secure long-term power purchase agreements for solar and wind energy.

India's AI market is projected to grow rapidly, driven by government initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission and increasing adoption by enterprises. The country's large pool of tech talent and favorable data localization policies have made it an attractive destination for hyperscale data centers. AirTrunk's investment is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost local economies in states where the facilities will be located.

Industry analysts note that the $30 billion commitment reflects a broader trend of tech giants and infrastructure firms pouring capital into India. With this expansion, AirTrunk aims to support AI training and inference workloads for both domestic and global clients, including cloud providers and enterprise customers. The company's move also positions India as a key player in the global AI supply chain, reducing reliance on existing hubs in the US and Europe.

AirTrunk's CEO stated that the decision to invest in India was driven by the country's 'unprecedented digital growth and strong policy support for AI.' The company will work closely with the Indian government to ensure compliance with data sovereignty regulations. As AI adoption accelerates, this investment could catalyze further infrastructure development, making India a cornerstone of the global AI ecosystem.