Anthropic is making a significant move to expand its global footprint, appointing Irina Ghose, previously a managing director at Microsoft India, to spearhead its India operations. This strategic hire comes as the U.S. AI startup prepares to launch an office in Bengaluru, signaling a major push into the rapidly growing Indian AI market.

The move highlights India's increasing importance as a key growth market for AI companies seeking expansion beyond the United States. Ghose's extensive experience at Microsoft, where she spent 24 years before departing in December 2025, positions her to leverage existing enterprise and government relationships for Anthropic. India has emerged as a strategically important market for Anthropic, already ranking as the second-largest user base for its AI assistant, Claude. Notably, usage in India is heavily skewed towards technical and work-related tasks, including software development, indicating a strong demand for advanced AI tools in the professional sector.

This expansion occurs amidst a broader scramble for market share in India's burgeoning generative AI landscape. OpenAI, Anthropic's primary competitor, is also intensifying its focus on the region, with plans to establish an office in New Delhi. This parallel move underscores India's emergence as a critical battleground in the global race to commercialize generative AI. The Indian market offers immense potential, boasting over a billion internet subscribers, making it an attractive target for AI companies seeking scale and rapid adoption.

Anthropic, backed by significant investment from companies like Google and Amazon, is developing advanced AI models focused on safety and reliability. Claude, its flagship product, is designed to be a helpful, harmless, and honest AI assistant, suitable for a range of applications from customer service to content creation. The company's focus on responsible AI development differentiates it in a market increasingly concerned with ethical considerations and potential misuse of AI technology.

Looking ahead, Anthropic's investment in India, coupled with Ghose's leadership, suggests a long-term commitment to the region. The company is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for AI solutions across various sectors, including technology, finance, and healthcare. As India continues to embrace digital transformation, Anthropic's presence is likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of AI adoption and innovation within the country. The competition with OpenAI and other players will undoubtedly intensify, driving further investment and development in the Indian AI ecosystem.