India becomes a core growth engine for ChatGPT as user base reaches 100 million weekly

India has emerged as one of the most significant growth markets for conversational AI, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealing that OpenAI now counts around 100 million weekly active users of ChatGPT in the country. The disclosure, made ahead of the upcoming India AI Impact Summit, signals how rapidly the South Asian market is shaping global AI adoption patterns.

According to comments published in The Times of India, India has become ChatGPT’s second-largest market after the United States. The milestone reflects both the country’s vast internet population and a broader trend of AI tools moving from early experimentation to everyday use among students, professionals, and small businesses.

The growth comes as AI companies increasingly look beyond North America and Europe for their next phase of user expansion. India’s large युवा (young) demographic and expanding digital infrastructure have positioned it as a strategic launchpad for consumer AI services. OpenAI strengthened its local footprint by opening an office in New Delhi in 2025 and introducing pricing options designed for cost-sensitive users, including a lower-cost subscription tier tailored to local demand.

Students have played an especially important role in adoption. India now represents the largest pool of student users globally for ChatGPT, reflecting how AI assistants are being integrated into education, exam preparation, and skills development workflows. Rival platforms are also competing aggressively in this space: Google, led by CEO Sundar Pichai, has similarly expanded AI offerings aimed at learners and academic institutions across the country.

While user numbers are climbing quickly, the Indian market presents a familiar challenge for global tech firms: turning scale into revenue. High usage does not necessarily translate into high spending, particularly in a market where affordability remains a key factor. This dynamic has pushed AI companies to experiment with subsidized plans, localized offerings, and partnerships aimed at expanding access without slowing adoption.

OpenAI’s messaging has also highlighted the need for broader ecosystem development. Government programs such as India’s national AI initiatives are focused on expanding compute infrastructure and supporting startups, aiming to ensure that AI benefits are distributed beyond large enterprises or metropolitan centers.

Altman’s remarks arrived just before the India AI Impact Summit, a five-day event expected to gather global technology leaders, policymakers, and corporate executives. Participants include figures such as Dario Amodei of Anthropic, alongside Indian industry leaders like Mukesh Ambani and Nandan Nilekani. Political leaders including Emmanuel Macron and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva are also expected to participate, underscoring India’s growing role in global AI governance discussions.

OpenAI has indicated that additional partnerships in India are likely to be announced, focusing on broader access and practical AI deployment rather than purely consumer growth.