Microsoft's Strategic Land Acquisition in India for Data Centre Growth

Microsoft's Land Acquisition in Pune

Global tech giant Microsoft has secured a significant land parcel in Pune's Hinjewadi region, marking a major investment in India's commercial real estate sector. According to documents reviewed by property portal Square Yards, Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Ltd has purchased 66,414.5 square meters (approximately 16.4 acres) of land for Rs 519.72 crore. The deal, finalized in August 2024, involved a stamp duty of Rs 31.18 crore and a registration fee of Rs 30,000. The land was acquired from Indo Global Infotech City LLP and is expected to play a pivotal role in Microsoft's ongoing expansion of its data centres operations in India, a market of growing strategic importance for the company.

Previous Land Acquisitions

This recent purchase follows Microsoft's 2022 acquisition of a 25-acre plot in Pimpri-Chinchwad for Rs 328 crore, as well as a Rs 267 crore investment earlier this year in 48 acres of land in Hyderabad. These acquisitions underline Microsoft's ambition to strengthen its infrastructure in India, particularly in terms of data centres, which are crucial for its growing cloud services and digital initiatives.

Microsoft AI Training Initiatives

In early 2024, Microsoft launched the ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA programme, a major skilling initiative aimed at equipping two million individuals with digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills by 2025. This initiative is part of the company's broader 'Skills for Jobs' effort, designed to prepare India's workforce for the demands of the future. Microsoft will also explore how AI can improve investor support processes within Karnataka's Department of Commerce & Industries.