OpenAI, the creator of the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, is preparing to open its first corporate office in New Delhi within the next few months, marking a significant expansion into one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing technology markets.

The company announced that it has begun hiring to grow its local team. Currently, OpenAI has just one employee in India—Pragya Misra—who leads public policy and partnerships after joining the company last year. With a larger presence on the ground, OpenAI aims to deepen partnerships with the Indian government, businesses, and developer communities in a nation of 1.4 billion people known for its vast tech talent.

As part of its commitment, OpenAI plans to collaborate with the federal government on the $1.2 billion IndiaAI Mission, an initiative to develop large and small language models tailored for the region. The expansion highlights OpenAI’s efforts to shape early regulatory frameworks around artificial intelligence, a technology evolving at breakneck speed.

India, already ChatGPT’s second-largest user market, is a major growth opportunity. To attract more customers, OpenAI recently introduced a more affordable subscription plan priced below $5 per month, alongside its free and premium offerings. Additionally, the company announced plans to host its first developer day in India later this year, strengthening engagement with local tech innovators.