# Microsoft opens Hyderabad cloud region with zero-water cooling, AI focus

2026-09-21T08:52:09+00:00 | Technology | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 4 independent outlets

Microsoft has launched its India South Central cloud region in Hyderabad, its fourth such facility in the country, as part of a previously announced $20.5 billion investment. The region uses effectively zero water for cooling, relying on air-cooled chillers, and is built to handle AI workloads from day one. Microsoft India President Puneet Chandok said the facility will be a strategic hub for Asia and the Global South. Chandok noted that India generates nearly 20 per cent of the world's data but has only 3 per cent of global data centre capacity. The country currently has about 2 gigawatts of capacity, which he expects to grow to 12-14 GW by 2035. Microsoft has contracted 1 GW of renewable energy in India, with 630 MW already flowing. The region is already operational with clients including Adani Group, Bajaj Finserv and HDFC Bank.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

All four sources report the same facts on Microsoft's Hyderabad cloud region launch: zero-water cooling, a $20.5 billion commitment, and a forecast of Indian data centre capacity growth from 2 GW to 12-14 GW by 2035. The coverage is uniform straight reporting with no discernible slant. The notable omission is any scrutiny of timeline feasibility or how a single company's investment maps to a $100 billion-plus industry buildout estimate. The projected 2035 capacity figure, mentioned by three sources, made this a news event about India's digital ambition rather than its current infrastructure reality.

## Coverage

- livemint.com (neutral report) <https://www.livemint.com/technology/microsofts-new-india-cloud-region-to-use-effectively-zero-water-for-cooling-microsoft-india-president-11789972413401.html>
  Straight reporting of launch details and executive quotes
- rediff.com (neutral report) <https://www.rediff.com/business/report/microsoft-launches-hyderabad-cloud-region-fourth-in-india/20260921.htm>
  Adds investment figure and market projections without evaluative language
- assamtribune.com (neutral report) <https://assamtribune.com/sci-and-tech/microsoft-launches-fourth-india-cloud-region-to-expand-ai-infrastructure-1618055>
  Leads with data disparity framing but stays factual
- indiatoday.in (neutral report) <https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/microsoft-opens-new-data-centre-in-hyderabad-as-part-of-its-205-billion-ai-plan-for-india-2999415-2026-09-21>
  Includes customer names and policy compliance notes neutrally

Tags: AI, data centre, Hyderabad, India South Central, Microsoft, Puneet Chandok
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