OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced on Wednesday that India has become the company’s second-largest market by user base, with the number of users tripling over the past year. Altman met with India’s IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss India’s efforts to create a low-cost AI ecosystem. Altman praised India’s rapid AI adoption and its growing ambitions, emphasizing that the country should aim to lead the AI revolution.
Vaishnaw shared a post on X about his “super cool discussion” with Altman, focusing on India’s strategy to build a complete AI stack, including GPUs, models, and applications. OpenAI expressed interest in collaborating with India on all aspects of this strategy.
Altman’s comments marked a shift from his stance last year, when he questioned India’s ability to build a substantial AI model with a $10 million budget. He now supports India’s AI ambitions, calling for the country to become a leader in the field.
This visit to India comes as OpenAI faces legal challenges in the country. India’s finance ministry has also warned its employees against using tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek for official work, citing confidentiality concerns. Despite these challenges, OpenAI continues to expand its global presence, with Altman also securing deals in Japan and South Korea during his recent travels.