Blackstone-backed AirTrunk plans to invest US$30bn and +5GW in India.

AirTrunk plans to invest more than INR 3,000 billion (US$30 billion) in India by 2030 in support of digital infrastructure capacity, positioning the country as a cornerstone of AirTrunk’s global growth strategy and one of the company’s most significant long-term investment markets.

Backed by Blackstone – one of the largest foreign investors in India – and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), AirTrunk’s proposed investment program would rank among the largest digital infrastructure initiatives currently being considered in the country and help enable the next wave of cloud and artificial intelligence growth.

The company’s proposed development pipeline in India, across multiple states and union territories, would support India’s ambition to become a global destination for AI and cloud infrastructure investment while generating significant economic activity, employment, and technology ecosystem growth.

The announcement follows AirTrunk Founder and Chief Executive Officer Robin Khuda’s first senior government engagement program in India since the company’s entry into the market through the acquisition of Lumina CloudInfra in April this year. Through this acquisition, AirTrunk’s existing development pipeline in India includes 600MW across Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

Robin Khuda said: “Capital is mobile, and India is creating the conditions for it to thrive. India is taking a top-down approach to AI with clear government-led initiatives, a world-class talent pool and massive availability of renewable energy. We were bullish on India before entering the market through Lumina. Following our discussions with government leaders this week, we’re looking to double down on that commitment. We heard a clear message that India is open for investment and determined to compete for the next generation of AI and cloud infrastructure that will transform India’s industries and economy for generations to come.”

During the visit, Mr Khuda met with Federal representatives, and Ministers in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to discuss how government and industry can work together to accelerate investment in cloud and AI infrastructure.

The discussions focused on the infrastructure, energy and policy settings required to support AI-driven growth, including access to reliable and cost-effective power, renewable energy, sustainable water supply, talent development, streamlined approvals processes, and greater coordination between state and federal governments on strategic infrastructure projects.

India well positioned to capture global cloud and AI infrastructure investment

India has set out one of the world’s most ambitious digital growth agendas. Through initiatives such as Digital India, the IndiaAI Mission, supported by more than ₹10,000 crore (approximately US$1.2 billion) in funding, and the ₹76,000 crore (approximately US$9 billion); and the India Semiconductor Mission, the Government has demonstrated a clear commitment to building the infrastructure, technology capabilities and investment environment needed to support long-term digital growth in AI, cloud computing and digital services.

Mr Khuda continued: “Prime Minister Modi’s vision for India’s digital economy has helped create one of the world’s most compelling destinations for technology investment. India has the scale, talent, and ambition required to become a global AI powerhouse. AirTrunk is excited to support that vision through long-term and transformative investment, infrastructure development, community programs and partnership.”

AirTrunk shared insights from markets across Asia Pacific, where clear investment frameworks, competitive incentives, and coordinated and nationally aligned government approaches have been key factors in attracting digital infrastructure investment.

Creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, and supporting India’s AI ambitions

Digital infrastructure is becoming as important to economic growth as roads, ports and power networks were in previous generations.

Investment in 5GW of new data centre capacity underpins significant local economic opportunities. Each major project supports tens of thousands of local jobs enabling the development, construction, and operation while also attracting the cloud, AI, and technology investment that drives long-term productivity and economic growth.

This impact extends beyond the project boundary through the localisation of supply chain operations and engagement with local businesses.

As AI adoption accelerates, countries with the right digital infrastructure will be best placed to attract investment, innovation and high-value jobs. India is uniquely positioned to capture that opportunity.