NEW DELHI:

OpenAI, the parent company of the generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) powerhouse ChatGPT, has formally taken a significant step toward establishing its first physical presence in India by leasing a dedicated office space in New Delhi. The move underscores the country's strategic importance to the US-based AI giant, which has identified India as its second-largest market for ChatGPT users globally, after the United States.

Key Details of the Expansion:

Location: The company has chosen New Delhi for its first India office, specifically opting for a capital city address rather than the neighboring business hubs of Gurugram or Noida.

Size: OpenAI has leased a 50-seater office space in a premium flex workspace facility provided by a local partner, reportedly CorporatEdge.

Strategic Focus: The establishment of a local team and office is aimed at:

Deepening engagement with the Indian government and policymakers.

Working closely with the country's vast developer and business ecosystem.

Building AI solutions that are specifically tailored for the diverse linguistic and cultural needs of India.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had previously announced the intention to open an India office, stating the move was an "important first step in our commitment to make advanced AI more accessible across the country and to build AI for India, and with India."

This decision follows a period of rapid growth, with ChatGPT users in India having surged more than fourfold in the past year. OpenAI has also previously rolled out India-focused initiatives, including the affordable ChatGPT Go subscription plan.