Reliance unveils $110B AI investment plan as India ramps up tech ambitions | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Jagmeet Singh

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Reliance Industries announced a $110 billion investment plan over the next seven years to build AI computing infrastructure in India. The initiative includes constructing gigawatt-scale data centers, developing a nationwide edge computing network, and integrating AI services with Reliance’s Jio telecom platform. Mukesh Ambani, chairperson of Reliance, revealed the plans at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, emphasizing that the country cannot afford to rely on foreign intelligence and must achieve technological self-reliance. The investment will initially focus on building multi-gigawatt data centers in Jamnagar, Gujarat, with 120 megawatts of capacity expected by late 2026. Reliance aims to leverage its green energy capabilities, including surplus solar power from projects in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, to support the AI infrastructure development. The company also plans to collaborate with Indian enterprises, startups, and academic institutions to embed AI across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, healthcare, and financial services. This ambitious push for AI infrastructure is part of a broader trend in India, where major conglomerates like Adani Group and global tech firms like Tata and OpenAI are also investing heavily in AI. The Indian government estimates over $200 billion in AI-related spending over the next two years. Ambani highlighted that the primary challenge in AI today is not talent or innovation but the scarcity and high cost of computing power, which his initiative aims to address. By reducing the cost of AI services and making them accessible in multiple Indian languages, Reliance seeks to democratize AI adoption across the country. This move underscores India’s growing tech ambitions and the race among its largest conglomerates to secure a leadership position in what is expected to be one of the country’s most transformative technological opportunities. The investment not only positions Reliance as a key player in the AI ecosystem but also aligns with global trends of localized tech development and self-reliance. The initiative also reflects how companies like Reliance are leveraging their existing infrastructure, such as Jio’s partnerships with Google for free Gemini AI Pro access to millions of users, to accelerate AI adoption. By fostering本地化创新 and reducing dependency on foreign intelligence, India aims to establish itself as a global leader in AI-driven innovation. This push is not just about technological advancement but also about ensuring economic growth and societal progress through accessible and affordable AI solutions.

Verticals

techstartups

Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/19/2026