India Emerges as One of OpenAI’s Largest Markets with 100 Million Weekly ChatGPT Users
India has solidified its position as one of OpenAI’s key markets globally, with CEO Sam Altman revealing that the country boasts 100 million weekly active users of ChatGPT. This milestone places India as the second-largest user base for ChatGPT, following the United States, signaling the country’s growing significance in OpenAI’s overall strategy.
In an article published in the Times of India, Altman highlighted the rapid adoption of ChatGPT in India, coinciding with OpenAI’s participation in the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The platform has seen remarkable growth, reaching a staggering 800 million weekly active users globally as of October 2025, with projections hinting at the figure approaching 900 million.
Altman attributed a significant portion of this growth to Indian students, who represent the largest group of users for ChatGPT worldwide. This trend aligns with a broader movement within the AI industry to engage with students and integrate AI tools into educational settings. Google, for instance, recently offered Indian students a free one-year subscription to its AI Pro plan, underlining the importance of the Indian market in shaping the future of AI education.
Recognizing the unique characteristics of the Indian market, OpenAI established a presence in New Delhi in 2025 and introduced a cost-effective ChatGPT Go tier tailored to price-sensitive Indian users. Altman emphasized India’s potential to democratize AI adoption at scale, leveraging its vast population and expanding internet connectivity to drive innovation and accessibility.
However, challenges remain in monetizing AI adoption in India and ensuring widespread economic impact. Altman pointed to initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission, designed to enhance computing capabilities, support startups, and promote AI integration in public services, as key steps in addressing these obstacles. By forging new partnerships and widening access to AI tools, OpenAI aims to empower more individuals in India to harness the power of AI for practical applications.
The India AI Impact Summit, set to convene global leaders in technology and politics, underscores India’s ambition to play a central role in shaping the future of AI. With prominent figures like Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Google’s Sundar Pichai, and Indian business magnates Mukesh Ambani and Nandan Nilekani in attendance, the summit highlights India’s growing influence in global AI discussions.
As OpenAI deepens its engagement with the Indian government and explores new avenues for collaboration, the company continues to leverage India’s immense user base to drive innovation and accessibility in the AI landscape. With India at the forefront of AI adoption and education, the country stands poised to influence the future trajectory of AI on a global scale.
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