Google to invest ₹75,000 crore in India

Google has announced it plans to spend over 5-7 years in India for some $75,000 crores ($10 billion). Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai today made the announcement at a virtual event called 'Google for India.' Google will invest in India through equity investments and tie-ups, marking its biggest commitment to a rising market.

Pichai, who interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday before addressing the sixth edition of 'Google for India,' the annual event dedicated to its operations in India, said that the Google for India Digitisation Fund will be deployed to accelerate Google's efforts through a combination of investments in equity, alliances, operations, technology and ecosystem.

Investments will focus on four key areas of digitisation for India. This includes the

1. Allowing reliable access and knowledge in their own language for any Indian
2. Building new products and services which meet the specific needs of India
3. Enhancing businesses as they begin to embark on digital transformation
4. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Technology for Social Good in areas such as health care, education and agriculture.

Google also announced new initiatives as part of its pandemic response efforts, including a new partnership with Prasar Bharati to launch a Doordarshan edutainment series on how small businesses can take digital resources and adapt to the current situation, using real-life examples of Indian businesses.

Pichai also said, "Our goal is to ensure that India not only profits from but leads the next wave of innovation. We can work together to ensure our best days are yet to come.