How AirTrunk is Backing India's AI Ambitions With US$30bn

India's bid to become a global AI powerhouse has attracted another major vote of confidence from the data centre sector.

Hyperscale specialist AirTrunk has unveiled plans to invest more than INR 3,000bn (US$30bn) in India by 2030, positioning data centres at the heart of India's long-term growth strategy.

The proposed programme would rank among the largest digital infrastructure investments under consideration in India and comes just weeks after AirTrunk entered the market through its acquisition of Lumina CloudInfra.

That deal added a 600MW development pipeline spanning Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad, giving the company an immediate foothold in one of the world's fastest-growing digital economies.

Backed by Blackstone and CPP Investments, AirTrunk is now looking far beyond its initial entry, with plans that could ultimately support 5GW of new data centre capacity across multiple states and union territories.

AI demand drives infrastructure ambitions

The announcement followed AirTrunk founder and CEO Robin Khuda's first senior government engagement programme in India since the Lumina acquisition.

During meetings with federal representatives and ministers in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, discussions focused on the policy and infrastructure foundations needed to support AI-driven growth.

Topics included power availability, renewable energy access, sustainable water supply, talent development and streamlining approval processes for strategic infrastructure projects.

Robin 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.”

The scale of AirTrunk's commitment reflects growing confidence that India could emerge as one of the most important global markets for AI infrastructure over the coming decade.

Building on India's digital agenda

India has spent recent years laying the groundwork for large-scale technology investment through programmes including Digital India, the IndiaAI Mission and the India Semiconductor Mission.

Collectively, these initiatives aim to strengthen the country's digital capabilities, encourage technology development and attract long-term investment into sectors such as AI and cloud computing.

Those government-backed programmes help create the conditions data centre operators require for hyperscale growth, as cloud providers and AI companies seek locations with strong talent pools.

Robin said: "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."

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Data centres as economic infrastructure

Beyond supporting AI workloads and cloud expansion, AirTrunk describes data centres as foundational economic assets.

The company argues that digital infrastructure now plays a role comparable to transport networks, ports and energy systems.

Large-scale developments can create significant employment during construction and operation while also attracting wider investment from cloud providers and AI developers.

The economic impact extends into local supply chains, creating opportunities for equipment manufacturers, construction firms, engineering specialists and other supporting industries.

As demand for AI computing capacity continues to rise, competition between countries to attract digital infrastructure investment is intensifying.

AirTrunk's planned US$30bn commitment suggests it sees India as one of the strongest contenders in that global race, with data centres set to play a core role in enabling the country's next phase of digital growth.