OpenAI plans to open new offices in Bengaluru and Mumbai, launches ‘OpenAI for India’ initiative

ChatGPT maker OpenAI is set to expand its India footprint with new offices in Bengaluru and Mumbai this year, deepening its engagement in one of its fastest-growing global markets.

The announcement was made at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where AI giant also formally launched its nationwide initiative, OpenAI for India.

The new offices will complement OpenAI’s existing presence in New Delhi, announced in August 2025 as its first India-based hub. The company said the expansion is intended to strengthen collaboration with developers, enterprises, academic institutions and public-sector partners.

India has emerged as OpenAI’s second-largest market, with more than 10 crore weekly ChatGPT users across students, developers, educators and businesses. The company said Indian students represent the largest global student user base on ChatGPT. It has previously tested India-specific pricing strategies, including a sub-$5 ChatGPT Go tier that was later offered free for one year to Indian users.

The broader OpenAI for India programme is aimed at expanding AI access, strengthening domestic capabilities and supporting India’s digital transformation.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the initiative focuses on developing infrastructure, skills and partnerships to build AI with India, for India and in India. He added that India’s technology talent, rapid AI adoption and policy support position the country to help shape the future of democratic AI at scale.

At the Summit, Altman was joined by senior executives including Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap, Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane and Chief Economist Ronnie Chatterji. The company used the platform to outline long-term commitments in India’s AI ecosystem.

OpenAI is also expanding its certification programmes in India, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) becoming the first participating organisation outside the United States. In the education segment, the company said it will provide more than 1 lakh ChatGPT Edu licences to Indian institutions.

The first cohort of participating institutions includes the IIM Ahmedabad; the All India Institute of Medical Sciences; Manipal Academy of Higher Education; the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies; and Pearl Academy.

OpenAI said the programme will focus on embedding AI into teaching, research and campus operations. This includes secure ChatGPT Edu access, structured onboarding, discipline-specific guidance and responsible-use frameworks aligned with institutional policies.

AI tools will be integrated into academic workflows such as coding, simulations, analytics, case analysis and research support. The company also plans to organise hackathons, build days and industry connect programmes to link campus projects with startups and enterprises.