Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries is set to construct the world’s largest data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, marking a pivotal milestone in the company’s foray into India’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector, according to a Bloomberg News report.
The ambitious project follows Reliance’s collaboration with Nvidia, a global leader in AI technology, which was announced during the Nvidia AI Summit in October 2024. As part of this partnership, Reliance has procured cutting-edge AI semiconductors from Nvidia, including its advanced Blackwell AI processors, to power the one-gigawatt data centre.
AI Leadership and India’s Potential
At the Nvidia AI Summit, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang underscored India’s potential in the AI domain, stating:
“It makes complete sense that India should manufacture its own AI. You should not export data to import intelligence. India should not export flour to import bread.”
Echoing Huang’s vision, Mukesh Ambani highlighted India’s robust digital infrastructure, saying:
“We can use intelligence to bring prosperity to all the people and create equality in the world. Apart from the US and China, India has the best digital connectivity infrastructure.”
Reliance and Nvidia: A Growing Partnership
In September 2024, Reliance Industries partnered with Nvidia to develop AI supercomputers and large language models (LLMs) designed for India’s linguistic and cultural diversity. This collaboration positions Reliance to leverage AI for uniquely Indian challenges and opportunities. Nvidia has also formed a similar partnership with the Tata Group, reinforcing its commitment to India’s AI aspirations.
India’s AI Aspirations and Challenges
The Indian government has pledged over ₹10,000 crore to support AI startups, projects, and LLM development, aiming to position the country as a global AI leader. However, challenges remain. India’s semiconductor industry is still in its early stages, with no domestic chip fabrication facilities currently operational. Establishing semiconductor plants is a complex, capital-intensive process requiring specialised talent that India is actively cultivating.
The Road Ahead
As India takes significant strides toward becoming a global AI powerhouse, initiatives like Reliance’s data centre, in tandem with partnerships such as those with Nvidia and the Tata Group, reflect the country’s determination to lead in the AI-driven future. These developments not only advance India’s AI capabilities but also signal its readiness to harness AI for economic growth and technological innovation.