PM Modi hosts Microsoft, Intel & Cognizant chiefs for high-level India growth talks

Microsoft, Intel, and Cognizant CEOs met PM Modi at his official residence in New Delhi on Tuesday. The CEOs met with the India(BHARAT)n prime minister to discuss plans to expand their businesses in India(BHARAT), major investments, and India(BHARAT)’s rising role in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor manufacturing.

Microsoft Invests $17.5 Billion in India(BHARAT)

Microsoft’s Satya Nadella announced a commitment of US$ 17.5 billion over four years (2026–2029) – the largest ever made by the company in Asia. The investment will be used to expand cloud and AI infrastructure and accelerate skill development efforts. It will also increase Microsoft’s presence in the rapidly expanding India(BHARAT)n market. This will build on a previous investment commitment of US$ 3 billion that is on track to be invested by the end of 2026.

During a post-meeting press briefing, Nadella thanked PM Modi for the “productive discussion on India(BHARAT)’s AI opportunity.” The Microsoft CEO said, “Our investment will support the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for India(BHARAT)’s AI-first future.”

Responding to Nadella, PM Modi tweeted, “The world is looking at India(BHARAT) with hope and optimism for the AI opportunity. India(BHARAT)’s young minds will create and use this technology to innovate for a better planet.”

Intel Applauds India(BHARAT)’s Semiconductor Plans

Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan applauded the new comprehensive semiconductor design and manufacturing policy unveiled by India(BHARAT)’s government. In a post-meeting statement, Tan highlighted the “strong vision and leadership of the Modi government to build India(BHARAT)’s semiconductor ecosystem.” He also reaffirmed Intel’s commitment to supporting India(BHARAT)’s Semiconductor Mission and the company’s intent to establish advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in the country.

An important detail in this announcement is that Intel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Electronics group to localise the manufacturing, assembly, and packaging of Intel-designed chips in Tata’s upcoming fab and OSAT facilities. This announcement is significant because the relationship is “an important step towards localising supply-chains” for Intel. This move can quicken India(BHARAT)’s efforts to become a global semiconductor hub.

Cognizant Plans Expansion, Talent Development

Cognizant, led by Ravi Kumar S, announced its continued commitment to India(BHARAT). Cognizant’s CEO said that the company will expand its operations to emerging cities in India(BHARAT) and invest in new talent development and upskilling initiatives. The company also plans to support and accelerate the use of AI through its AI University and democratization of AI Education.

Cognizant’s expansion plans are in line with the government’s objective to create equitable growth across the country, and to access India(BHARAT)’s large, young, and skilled workforce. “The entire conversation was inspiring,” the company said in a statement, describing the PM’s views on the growing importance of India(BHARAT) as a global delivery and innovation hub.

India(BHARAT) Gears Up to Be a Global Tech Hub

Industry experts say the meeting is significant because it signals a shift in the way global technology companies view India(BHARAT). While India(BHARAT) has been a major market for IT services and software products, global technology leaders like Microsoft, Intel, and Cognizant are now looking at the country as a place for AI, Cloud Services, and Semiconductor manufacturing. By aligning with the government’s policy direction, these global technology companies are likely to be a part of India(BHARAT)’s effort to become a global player in future tech infrastructure.

If successful, India(BHARAT)’s infrastructure would be developed at a faster pace and more high-value jobs would be created, especially in smaller cities and towns. India(BHARAT) could also get a foothold in the global supply chains for semiconductors and AI services. India(BHARAT)’s digital economy is growing very fast. With strong local talent and increasing global investments, the country has a great chance to become a major leader in technology.