Search Giant’s mega AI hub in Vizag to be the world’s largest outside US
In a major announcement that could well shake up the technology eco-system of both Visakhapatnam (aka Vizag) and Andhra Pradesh Google Cloud Global CEO Mr Thomas Kurien today announced the World’s Largest AI and Data Centre Hub to come up in the city of destiny i.e. Vizag.
In a landmark announcement, Mr Kurien revealed the search giant’s plans for their mega investment into Vizag.
“We’re very pleased to announce a new gigawatt-scale AI hub in Visakhapatnam — the largest AI hub we are going to be investing in anywhere in the world outside of the United States,” said Mr Kurien.
This will represent a capital investment of $15 billion over the next five years and will scale to multiple gigawatts.
Mr Kurien added that this facility will be part of a global network of AI centres spread across 12 countries, with Visakhapatnam emerging as the flagship hub outside the US.
Additionally, Google Cloud plans to transform Visakhapatnam into a global connectivity hub by landing its subsea cable infrastructure in the city.
This will be integrated into Google’s global subsea network, making Visakhapatnam a major digital backbone for India — connecting multiple regions and strengthening the country’s technological ecosystem.
“We are not just bringing AI technology,” Kurien emphasized, “but also building digital infrastructure through our subsea cable and network connectivity hub.”
Speaking at the MoU signing, CM Mr Chandrababu Naidu hailed Google’s Mega Data Centre in Visakhapatnam as a Landmark Moment for Andhra Pradesh.
“It is a very auspicious and happy day for the state” said the chief minister.
Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, and Union IT Minister Mr Ashwini Vaishnaw, the CM said their support made the project possible.
Mr Naidu also acknowledged Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh for his efforts, saying, “He worked closely with Google, visited their office, spent a lot of time, and updated me regularly. We aimed to complete this in 12 months; though it took 13, we made it happen. I am proud of this achievement said the CM”
Commenting on the development Andhra Pradesh’s IT Minister Mr Nara Lokesh said this historic MoU with Google to Establish AI Hub and Hyper-Scale Data Center will Transform Education, Skilling, Governance, and Empower Youth Across the State.
“The state is set to lead India’s next major technological transformation through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data innovation. This is a historic milestone for both the state and the nation”.
The minister emphasized that the government’s focus was not only on establishing infrastructure but also on preparing the workforce for the future.
“All senior ministers are aligned in executing this project at scale. Our priority is to skill up our youth, revamp the curriculum, and embrace AI to unlock the next wave of opportunities,” he said.
Highlighting the synergy between education and technology, Lokesh said, “Education and IT go hand in hand — that’s why both portfolios are under one ministry. The idea is to merge them and ensure tangible outcomes on the ground.”
He also pointed to Andhra Pradesh’s successful Real-Time Governance (RTG) model, noting how AI-driven solutions are already being used to improve the lives of farmers and daily wage workers.
“Our goal is to use technology to enhance quality of life and income levels for every citizen,” he added.
Mr Naidu reminisced his legacy in IT development and said, “I brought Microsoft to Hyderabad in the late 1990s. Today, I am proud that Google is coming to Visakhapatnam. From Hitech City to data centers and AI in 2025, we are witnessing an inspiring transformation.”
The chief minister praised Google’s “creativity and speed” and expressed optimism about the future of digital infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, calling it a new era of innovation and opportunity.
