Anthropic is making a significant move to expand its global footprint, appointing Irina Ghose, previously a managing director at Microsoft India, to spearhead its operations in India. This strategic hire coincides with Anthropic's plans to establish a physical office in Bengaluru, signaling the company's commitment to the rapidly growing Indian AI market.

The move highlights India's increasing importance as a key growth market for AI companies. Anthropic's internal data indicates that India already represents its second-largest user base for Claude, its flagship AI assistant. Notably, usage patterns in India are heavily skewed towards technical and professional applications, including software development, suggesting a strong demand for AI-powered tools in the country's burgeoning tech sector. While specific revenue figures for Anthropic's Indian operations were not disclosed, the company's investment in a local presence underscores its belief in the market's long-term potential.

Anthropic's expansion into India places it in direct competition with OpenAI, which is also planning to open an office in New Delhi. This parallel expansion underscores the intensifying race to commercialize generative AI in India, a market offering access to over a billion internet subscribers. The competition between Anthropic and OpenAI will likely drive innovation and adoption of AI solutions across various sectors in India.

Anthropic, a U.S.-based AI startup, is known for its focus on AI safety and responsible development. Its core product, Claude, is a large language model designed to be helpful, harmless, and honest. Ghose's extensive experience at Microsoft, where she spent 24 years before departing in December 2025, is expected to provide Anthropic with valuable insights into the Indian enterprise and government landscape. Her deep understanding of the local market dynamics will be crucial as Anthropic seeks to establish partnerships and navigate the regulatory environment.

Looking ahead, Anthropic's success in India will depend on its ability to tailor its AI solutions to meet the specific needs of the Indian market. This includes addressing language support, cultural nuances, and data privacy concerns. The company's investment in a local presence and its appointment of a seasoned executive like Ghose suggest that Anthropic is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities in India's rapidly evolving AI landscape. The coming years will likely see increased investment and innovation in AI within India, driven by the competition between Anthropic, OpenAI, and other players in the global AI race.