PM Modi meets with Microsoft, Intel and Cognizant CEOs to accelerate India’s AI push

Aiming to accelerate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate meetings on Tuesday with three global technology leaders.During these discussions, PM Modi engaged with top executives from Microsoft, Cognizant, and Intel. He met Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar, along with Chairman & Managing Director S. Rajesh Varrier, and Intel Corporation CEO Lip-Bu Tan.Microsoft announces its largest-ever Asian investment in IndiaPM Modi met Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who announced via the social media platform X that Microsoft will invest USD 17.5 billion in India, its biggest investment in Asia.Nadella wrote, “Thank you, PM @narendramodi ji, for an inspiring conversation on India’s AI opportunity. To support the country’s ambitions, Microsoft is committing US$17.5B—our largest investment ever in Asia—to help build the infrastructure, skills, and sovereign capabilities needed for India’s AI-first future.”Responding to Nadella, PM Modi posted, “When it comes to AI, the world is optimistic about India! Had a very productive discussion with Mr. Satya Nadella. Happy to see India being the place where Microsoft will make its largest-ever investment in Asia. The youth of India will harness this opportunity to innovate and leverage the power of AI for a better planet.”Intel reaffirms commitment to India’s semiconductor missionIntel Corporation CEO Lip-Bu Tan also met the Prime Minister and expressed strong support for India’s ongoing semiconductor initiatives. In his post on X, Tan highlighted that their discussion revolved around “technology, computing, and the tremendous potential for India.”He added, “I applaud the Prime Minister for putting in place a comprehensive semiconductor design and manufacturing policy, and Intel is committed to supporting the India Semiconductor Mission.”Separately, on December 9, Intel announced a strategic alliance with the Tata Group. Under a newly signed memorandum of understanding, Intel will explore manufacturing and packaging its products at Tata Electronics’ upcoming fabrication and assembly facilities in Gujarat and Assam.Cognizant discusses AI adoption and skill developmentIn another meeting, PM Modi engaged with Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S and Chairman and Managing Director, Cognizant India, S Rajesh Varrier. Cognizant described the interaction as an “inspiring conversation” focused on accelerating AI adoption and strengthening education and skill development across India.The company posted on X, “Our CEO, @imravikumars, along with Rajesh Varrier, Chairman & Managing Director, Cognizant India, had the distinct privilege of meeting with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri @narendramodi, for an inspiring conversation on accelerating AI adoption and advancing education and skill development to enhance AI capabilities and productivity.”India’s growing tech ambitionsThese high-level meetings underscore India’s aggressive push to position itself as a global hub for AI innovation and semiconductor manufacturing.The India Semiconductor Mission, launched by the government to reduce import dependence and attract fabrication investments, is central to this strategy. According to a PIB release dated November 17, 2024, India’s semiconductor market is expected to grow from USD 38 billion in 2023 to USD 109 billion by 2030.