The number of ChatGPT users in India has reached a remarkable milestone, positioning the country as a global leader in AI adoption. In a recent article for The Times of India, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that India has become the company’s second-largest market, with an astonishing 100 million weekly active users. This significant reveal comes just before the highly anticipated India AI Impact Summit 2026, set to begin in New Delhi.
Why Are ChatGPT Users in India Growing So Rapidly?
Sam Altman described India as a nation well on its way to becoming a fully-fledged AI leader. He highlighted several key factors contributing to this rapid growth, including the country’s strong belief in the potential of artificial intelligence, its vast pool of local tech talent, and a supportive national strategy for technology dissemination. Furthermore, Altman noted that India has the highest number of student ChatGPT users in the world, signaling a deep integration of AI into the educational landscape.
Believing that the benefits of AI should not be limited to early adopters, Altman proposed a strategy based on three core principles: access, adoption, and representation. According to him, access is the fundamental entry ticket to the AI era. Adoption involves actively using AI in classrooms, workplaces, and public services. Finally, representation translates these efforts into real impact by empowering people to learn faster, produce more, and make better decisions.
OpenAI’s Strategic Moves in the Region
However, Altman also issued a warning about the potential for a “talent surplus” if these elements are not distributed evenly. He stated that unequal access and adoption of AI would lead to unequal benefits, concentrating productivity gains within a select group. To address this, OpenAI is strengthening its presence in India, having opened its first office in New Delhi in August 2025.
The company recently organized an “NGO AI Enablement” event across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi, training over 200 civil society leaders on practical AI applications. During his visit, Altman also plans to announce new partnerships with the Indian government aimed at expanding access to AI tools nationwide.
The upcoming India AI Impact Summit is expected to host over 700 sessions and feature more than 40 global CEOs, including prominent figures like Google’s Sundar Pichai, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address. Altman concluded his article with a powerful statement: “AI will help shape India’s future and India will help shape AI’s future. And it will do so in a way that only a democracy can.”
So, what are your thoughts on India’s role in AI? Share your opinions with us in the comments!
