Microsoft has officially launched its new India South Central data center region in Hyderabad, marking a significant expansion of the company’s cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure in India. The new region is designed to support growing demand for cloud computing, AI workloads and secure digital services.
The Hyderabad-based region features a three-zone architecture aimed at providing resilience and supporting future expansion. Microsoft said the region is now live with a broad portfolio of Azure services, while additional Azure and AI capabilities are expected to become available progressively.
Microsoft has positioned India South Central as a strategic hub for Asia and the Global South. The company said the new infrastructure will allow organisations to run eligible cloud and AI workloads closer to their users and data while supporting applicable security, compliance and data-residency requirements.
The launch also strengthens Hyderabad’s position as an important technology and cloud-infrastructure centre. Microsoft said leading organisations, including Adani Group, Bajaj Finserv, HDFC Bank and PB Pay, have already signed up to use the new region.
Another notable feature is the region’s cooling infrastructure. Microsoft said India South Central operates with effectively zero water use for cooling, as part of its broader sustainability commitments. The company is also working with local partners on groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting and watershed resilience in the Hyderabad region.
The company has also linked the Hyderabad cloud expansion with its wider AI-skilling efforts in India. Microsoft said it has equipped more than 10 million Indians with AI skills, as part of its goal of reaching 20 million people by 2030.
The new cloud region is therefore expected to play an important role in Microsoft’s expanding AI and Azure ecosystem in India, providing additional infrastructure for businesses and organisations as demand for cloud-based and AI-powered services continues to grow.