Meta and Reliance Industries Announce AI-Enabled Data Center in India

Meta and Reliance Industries have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership, focusing on an AI-enabled data center in India. The agreement involves Meta leasing capacity at a new data center to be built by Reliance in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This investment underscores Meta's commitment to India, aiming to power its products and AI capabilities for its extensive user base in the region.

The new facility in Jamnagar is designed with an initial capacity of 168 MW, with provisions for future scaling. Meta will be responsible for the full cost of energy and water supporting the data center, which will utilize renewable energy sources and desalinated seawater for cooling. This initiative is a key part of Meta's global infrastructure expansion and deepens its long-standing collaboration with Reliance, which spans connectivity, commerce, and AI innovation.

Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Meta, stated that the partnership with Reliance for the AI-enabled data center in India marks Meta's first such facility in the country. He noted that the Jamnagar facility would contribute to scaling Meta's global AI infrastructure and strengthen its long-term investment in India's economy.

Mukesh D. Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, commented that the collaboration with Meta represents a significant moment for India's digital infrastructure. He highlighted that constructing India's first built-to-suit AI data center for a company of Meta's size demonstrates India's preparedness to lead in the global AI revolution, affirming Reliance's commitment to developing advanced digital infrastructure for AI innovation.

Beyond the data center, Meta has also contracted nearly 1 GW of new clean and renewable energy in India. This includes 837 MW of new solar and wind projects with CleanMax in Rajasthan and Karnataka, bringing their cumulative capacity to over 900 MW. Additionally, Meta has partnered with Fourth Partner Energy for 88 MW of new solar and wind projects across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.

The partnership between Meta and Reliance has evolved over time, including a $5.7 billion investment in Jio Platforms in 2020 and a joint venture to bring Meta's open-source AI models to Indian enterprises and developers. This data center agreement marks the latest chapter in their shared vision to accelerate India’s digital future.

(Source: Meta Newsroom)