OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, announced that it will open its first India office in New Delhi later this year. The move marks a major step in strengthening the company’s presence in its second-largest market by user base.

OpenAI Expands Presence in India

Backed by Microsoft, OpenAI has already registered itself as a legal entity in India and started building a local hiring team, the company confirmed in a statement on Friday.

CEO Sam Altman said, “Opening our first office and building a local team is an important step in our commitment to make advanced AI more accessible across India and to build AI for India, and with India.”

India – A Key Market for AI Growth

India is one of the fastest-growing markets for OpenAI, with nearly one billion internet users. Just this week, OpenAI launched its cheapest monthly plan at $4.60, aimed at making ChatGPT more affordable for students and professionals.

According to the company, India has the largest number of student users on ChatGPT. Weekly active users in the country have quadrupled in the past year, reflecting the massive adoption of AI tools.

Competition in the Indian Market

OpenAI faces tough competition in India from rivals such as:

• Google’s Gemini

• AI startup Perplexity

Both competitors have attracted users by offering free access to premium features, creating intense competition in the Indian AI market.

Legal Challenges in India

Despite rapid growth, OpenAI is also dealing with legal challenges in India. Several news publishers and book houses have accused the company of using their content without permission to train ChatGPT. OpenAI has denied any wrongdoing and continues to defend its practices.

What This Means for India

With the launch of its first office in New Delhi, OpenAI aims to:

• Expand local operations

• Build AI solutions tailored for India

• Support accessibility of advanced AI tools across businesses, students, and professionals

This move highlights India’s rising importance as a global hub for AI adoption and innovation.