Microsoft Unveils Largest Cloud Region in India with Zero-Water Cooling Chiller

Microsoft has launched its largest cloud region in India, located in Hyderabad. This is the company's fourth cloud region in the country and will cater to early users such as HDFC Bank, Adani Group, Bajaj Finserv, and PB Pay.

The new region, India South Central, carries three Availability Zones and uses air-cooled chillers that consume zero water for cooling. This move is seen as a response to environmental concerns raised by Google's $15 billion data center project in India, which has been accused of neglecting water supplies and wildlife.

Microsoft has committed $20.5 billion to India's cloud and AI buildout, with the new region playing a key role in strengthening the country's AI infrastructure. HDFC Bank will use the new region as a disaster recovery site for its existing Central India footprint, while other early customers have cited data residency, resilience, and scalability as reasons for choosing the new region.

According to IDC, India's public cloud spending is expected to reach $45.7 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 22.2%. The launch of Microsoft's new cloud region in Hyderabad demonstrates the company's commitment to meeting the increasing demand for cloud services in India.