Blackstone-backed AirTrunk has announced plans to invest more than ₹3 lakh crore ($30 billion) in India by 2030 to develop over 5 GW of data centre capacity across multiple states and union territories.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the announcement on Friday, 5 June, saying India’s digital infrastructure journey is gathering “remarkable momentum”.
In a post on X, Modi said AirTrunk’s proposed investment is among the largest in India’s digital infrastructure ecosystem and would strengthen the country’s position as a global hub for cloud computing and AI. He said such investments would generate employment opportunities, support local supply chains and accelerate innovation-led growth.
AirTrunk said the proposed investment would position India as a cornerstone of its global growth strategy and one of its most significant long-term investment markets.
The company said the investment programme would rank among the largest digital infrastructure initiatives currently being considered in the country.
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It said the proposed development pipeline would support India’s ambition to become a global destination for AI and cloud infrastructure investment.
The announcement follows AirTrunk founder and chief executive officer Robin Khuda’s first senior government engagement programme in India since the company entered the market through the acquisition of Lumina CloudInfra in April this year.
Through that acquisition, AirTrunk’s existing India development pipeline includes 600 MW across Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad.
“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,” Khuda said.
He said AirTrunk was bullish on India even before entering the market through Lumina, adding that discussions with government leaders this week had strengthened the company’s 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,” Khuda said.
Khuda also said Prime Minister Modi’s vision for India’s digital economy had 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,” he said.
AirTrunk is backed by Blackstone and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. The company said Blackstone is one of the largest foreign investors in India.
The company said investment in 5 GW of new data centre capacity would support local economic opportunities, with major projects generating jobs across development, construction and operations, while also supporting localisation of supply chains and engagement with local businesses.
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