OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is reportedly in discussions to partner with local firms in India to develop a data center boasting a minimum capacity of 1 gigawatt, according to Bloomberg News citing anonymous sources. This move aims to strengthen OpenAI's infrastructure presence in the country, which holds its second-largest user base globally.

While Reuters could not immediately verify these details and OpenAI has not commented on the matter, the company has recently formalized its legal status in India and initiated the formation of a local team. Earlier this year, OpenAI announced plans to inaugurate its first office in New Delhi by the end of 2023, underscoring its commitment to expanding operations in the region.

The potential data center is expected to support OpenAI's Stargate initiative—a comprehensive AI infrastructure effort backed by several industry leaders. Although the exact site and timeline remain unconfirmed, it is anticipated that CEO Sam Altman may reveal additional details during his scheduled visit to India in September.

The Stargate project was unveiled in January by former U.S. President Donald Trump as a major private-sector investment, with SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle among the key contributors, aiming to inject up to $500 billion into AI infrastructure development globally.