New Delhi / Sydney — June 5, 2026. In one of the largest digital-infrastructure commitments in India's history, Blackstone-backed AirTrunk has announced plans to invest more than $30 billion (over ₹3 lakh crore) in India by 2030 to develop over 5 gigawatts (GW) of data center capacity across multiple states.
The Sydney-based hyperscale data center company — backed by global investment giant Blackstone and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) — said the expansion will support India's fast-growing demand for cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure.
PM Modi welcomes the announcement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move, calling it among the largest proposed investments in India's digital-infrastructure ecosystem. "India's digital infrastructure journey is gathering remarkable momentum… Such investments will strengthen India's position as a global hub for cloud computing and AI, while generating employment opportunities, supporting local supply chains and accelerating innovation-led growth," he said.
What AirTrunk is planning
- Total planned investment: over $30 billion (₹3 lakh crore+) by 2030
- Capacity target: more than 5 GW of hyperscale data center capacity
- Geographic spread: multiple states, with a focus on Mumbai (Maharashtra), Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and Hyderabad
- Major project: a reported Letter of Intent for a large (~3 GW) data center campus in Raigad, near Mumbai
This builds on AirTrunk's entry into the Indian market earlier in 2026 via the acquisition of Lumina CloudInfra, which brought a development pipeline of around 600 MW.
Why India? The AI & cloud boom
AirTrunk Founder and CEO Robin Khuda pointed to India's fundamentals: "India has the scale, talent, and ambition required to become a global AI powerhouse. AirTrunk is excited to support that vision through long-term and transformative investment." India's data center demand is being driven by rapid AI and generative-AI adoption, the expansion of global cloud providers, data-localization and Digital India initiatives, and surging digital consumption across banking, e-commerce, healthcare and education.
Impact on India's economy and NRIs
For India: tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs across construction, operations, power, cooling and technology; stronger local supply chains; and a boost to India's standing as a global AI and cloud hub.
For NRIs and Indian tech professionals: new career opportunities in data center design, operations, AI infrastructure and power systems; further validation of India's growth story; and avenues for NRIs in the US, UK, Australia and the Middle East to contribute expertise through partnerships — alongside stronger data sovereignty and reduced dependence on overseas data centers.
Sustainability & global backing
AirTrunk has emphasized renewable energy and responsible water management — key concerns for large data center projects. The company is one of Asia-Pacific's leading hyperscale platforms; in 2024, a consortium led by Blackstone and CPPIB acquired it in a landmark deal valued at over A$24 billion, and it already operates campuses across Australia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
A vote of confidence in India's digital future
With India's data center capacity currently estimated at roughly 1.5 GW and projections pointing toward 8–10 GW by 2030, investments of this scale are critical to meeting future demand — and add to a growing list of global players betting big on India's digital economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is AirTrunk investing in India?
Over $30 billion (₹3 lakh crore+) by 2030 to build more than 5 GW of data center capacity.
Who backs AirTrunk?
A consortium led by Blackstone and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), which acquired the company in 2024 for over A$24 billion.
Where will the new capacity be built?
Across multiple states, with a focus on Mumbai, Chennai and Hyderabad, including a reported large campus near Raigad, Maharashtra.
Why is this significant for India?
It strengthens India's AI and cloud infrastructure, supports data sovereignty, and is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs — aligning with Digital India goals.
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Figures and quotes are accurate as of publication; confirm the latest on official AirTrunk and government channels.
