Blackstone-Backed AirTrunk Commits $30 Billion for 5 GW Digital Infrastructure in India

AirTrunk to Invest Over $30 Billion in India's Digital Infrastructure

Australia-based data centre company AirTrunk plans to invest over $30 billion (more than ₹3,000 billion) in India to develop over 5 GW of digital infrastructure capacity in the country by 2030. This proposed investment is among the largest such under consideration in India, according to an official company release.

AirTrunk, backed by Blackstone and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), aims to establish a strong presence in the Indian market. The company's founder and CEO, Robin Khuda, recently participated in his first government engagement programme in India since entering the domestic market in April 2026 through the acquisition of Lumina CloudInfra. The merger gave AirTrunk a development pipeline of 600 MW in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

During his visit, Khuda met with federal representatives and state ministers in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh to discuss infrastructure, energy, and policy frameworks necessary to sustain AI-driven growth. The discussions centered on securing reliable and cost-effective power, renewable energy, sustainable water supplies, streamlined approval processes, and closer coordination between state and federal governments on strategic projects.

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India's Investment Environment

The ₹10,000 crore IndiaAI Mission and ₹76,000 crore India Semiconductor Mission are seen as key initiatives that establish a strong investment environment for companies like AirTrunk. The company's plans span across multiple Indian states and union territories (UTs) with the aim of supporting growing demand for AI and cloud capacity.

The planned 5 GW capacity expansion is expected to generate significant local economic activity, supporting tens of thousands of local jobs across the development, construction, and operational phases of the projects. The broader economic impact includes the localisation of supply chain operations and increased engagement with domestic businesses.

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Why India?

AirTrunk's CEO, Robin Khuda, noted in a statement that India is creating the conditions for investment to thrive. He highlighted the country's top-down approach to AI, world-class talent pool, and massive availability of renewable energy as key factors that make it an attractive destination for investment. Khuda expressed his commitment to supporting India's vision for a digital economy through long-term and transformative investment, infrastructure development, community programs, and partnerships.