OpenAI has announced its first office outside the US, not in London, Singapore, or Tokyo, but in New Delhi. The move signals something much bigger than just expansion.

India is already ChatGPT’s second-largest market globally, with usage tripling in 2024. To tap into this demand, OpenAI recently launched its cheapest-ever plan, ChatGPT Go, at ₹399/month, even adding UPI payments to suit Indian users.

But this isn’t only about affordability. OpenAI is partnering with India’s $1.25 billion IndiaAI Mission, launching OpenAI Academy India, and committing to train 1 million educators, along with $100,000 in API credits for startups.

The reason is simple: India has over 850 million internet users, making it the perfect testing ground for AI democratization. If AI works here, where price sensitivity and scale are unmatched, it can work anywhere.

This isn’t charity. It’s strategy. Every major tech player knows India isn’t just a market to sell in, it’s where the future of accessible AI will be shaped.