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Anthropic, the AI safety and research company, has announced plans to establish its first office in India, with operations set to begin in Bengaluru in early 2026. Despite U.S.-Indian tensions, Anthropic’s expansion into one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing AI ecosystems is a uniquely welcome sight. Washington allegedly pressured the company to limit certain manufacturing and chip production deals planned in the region. However, things do not seem that tight for Anthropic.
India: A Crucial Growth Hub for AI
The decision to open a dedicated office reflects India’s increasing importance to Anthropic’s global strategy. India is already the second-largest market for Anthropic’s Claude AI, trailing only the United States.
An office in Bengaluru will allow the company to tap directly into the country’s vast pool of technical talent, including engineers, researchers, and language experts.
“Our expansion comes at a pivotal moment when Indian enterprises and startups are seeking AI models they can trust,” said Paul Smith, Anthropic’s Chief Commercial Officer. “They need systems that combine frontier performance with the safety and reliability required to support critical business operations at scale.”
In a related development, OpenAI has rolled out a monthly subscription plan just for India at a super friendly price of 399 rupees, which is about $4.50! This makes it one of the most budget-friendly subscription options out there globally.
Key Areas of Focus
Anthropic’s new India hub will concentrate on several core functions to deepen its engagement in the local market:
- Localization: The office will adapt language models and AI tools to Indian languages and cultural contexts. Anthropic is already working to improve Claude’s support for a range of languages, including Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi.
- Talent and Research: The company plans to hire local engineers, scientists, and safety experts. The India team will collaborate with Anthropic’s other global R&D centers.
- Partnerships and Policy Engagement: Anthropic will engage with Indian institutions, startups, and policymakers on issues surrounding AI safety, ethics, and governance.
A Competitive and Regulatory Landscape
Anthropic’s expansion is occurring in an increasingly crowded and regulated market. Major global competitors, including Alphabet’s Google with its Gemini AI and OpenAI, are also ramping up their presence in India. The company’s local footprint is crucial for navigating India’s evolving regulatory environment, which includes ongoing debates over AI safety and data governance.
Industry analysts anticipate the Bengaluru office will help Anthropic compete more effectively with both international and local firms by reducing latency and customizing performance for Indian users. The move underscores the broader trend of global AI firms prioritizing regional presence, localization, and regulatory dialogue.
What To Look Out for Next
The AI community will be watching several factors closely as Anthropic gets established in India:
- Local Partnerships: The types of collaborations Anthropic forges with Indian universities, startups, and government programs.
- Linguistic Advancements: The speed and quality of AI models localized for the country’s diverse linguistic landscape.
- Regulatory Influence: The role Anthropic plays in shaping India’s AI ethics, standards, and regulatory framework.
Anthropic’s significant expansion will likely intensify competition and accelerate innovation within the region. It positions the company not only to serve a critical market but also to help shape the future of AI in South Asia and beyond.
The Anthropic new hub is expected to focus on research, localization, and regional partnerships.
