Amazon is significantly expanding its AI initiatives in India, with a planned investment of $12.7 billion aimed at benefiting 15 million small businesses and enhancing AI literacy for 4 million students by 2030. This commitment supports the Indian government's AI Mission, designed to boost digital inclusion, productivity, and accessibility across the country.
The $12.7 billion investment will focus on strengthening India's cloud and AI infrastructure. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is expanding its data centers in Telangana and Maharashtra to meet the growing demand for cloud and AI capabilities from both public and private sectors. Many organizations in India are already leveraging AWS's AI capabilities, including DigiYatra, Apollo Tyres, and Axis Bank.
Amazon's strategy involves equipping 15 million small businesses with AI-powered tools to help them scale online and lower operational effort. These tools include an upgraded Seller Assistant within Seller Central that can analyze a seller's store context, automate routine tasks, and identify opportunities. Amazon is also rolling out AI-powered features for listing creation, ad generation, and video production. Samir Kumar, Country Manager of Amazon India, emphasized that AI can level the playing field, allowing small business owners in smaller cities to create professional product listings quickly.
In addition to supporting businesses, Amazon is committed to enhancing AI literacy among students. The company plans to reach 4 million government school students by 2030 with AI curriculum, hands-on experiments, career tours, and teacher training. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and aims to prepare students for future technologies and jobs, particularly in underserved regions. Amazon's SVP for Emerging Markets, Amit Agarwal, stated that their long-term goal is aligned with the Government of India's AI Mission to bring the power of AI to millions of customers, students, and small businesses.
Since 2017, AWS has trained 6.2 million people in India with cloud skills through programs like AWS Skill Builder, AWS Educate, and AWS re/Start. Amazon continues to introduce new AI courses to further enhance skills and knowledge in this field. Amazon believes that every Indian should benefit from AI transformation, breaking down barriers related to language, literacy, and access.
