OpenAI is set to open its first office in New Delhi later this year, marking a significant step in the company's expansion in India, its second-largest market by user base. This move underscores OpenAI's commitment to making advanced AI more accessible across the country and to building AI solutions tailored for India.

The announcement comes with the release of new data highlighting the rapid adoption of OpenAI's tools in India. Weekly active users of ChatGPT in India have quadrupled in the past year, and the country has the largest population of student users on ChatGPT worldwide. India also ranks among the top five developer markets globally on the OpenAI platform.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed considerable enthusiasm for India's potential in the AI landscape. He believes India has all the necessary components to emerge as a global AI leader: a wealth of tech talent, a thriving developer ecosystem, and strong government support through the IndiaAI Mission. Altman has also lauded the "incredible energy" and willingness of the Indian populace to integrate AI into various aspects of life, predicting that India could soon become OpenAI's largest market. He emphasized India's proactive approach to AI and its potential to drive societal and economic benefits.

In a recent conversation, Altman addressed India's transition from being primarily a consumer of AI to becoming a producer. He noted that this shift is already underway, with significant entrepreneurial activity focused on building with AI in India. Altman envisions GPT-5 as a valuable partner for young entrepreneurs, capable of assisting with coding, customer support, marketing, and legal tasks. However, he cautioned that AI alone cannot guarantee success, emphasizing the importance of execution and strategic direction.

OpenAI's expansion in India comes amid increasing competition in the AI market. Rivals like Google's Gemini and AI startup Perplexity have launched offerings that make their advanced plans free for many users in the market. OpenAI also faces legal challenges in India, with news outlets and book publishers accusing the firm of using their content without permission to train ChatGPT, allegations the company denies.

Despite these challenges, OpenAI is moving forward with its plans to deepen its presence in India. Establishing a legal entity in India and beginning to hire a local team are crucial steps in this direction. While the exact location of the New Delhi office is yet to be confirmed, this move signifies OpenAI's long-term commitment to the Indian market.

Altman's vision for AI in India extends beyond just economic gains. He believes that in a world saturated with AI-generated content, being a "real person" will hold more value than ever. Human life stories, culture, and social bonds will remain uniquely valuable, even as AI surpasses humans in many intellectual tasks.