Adani Says: Energy and Intelligence Must Be Made a National Priority; Adani Group to Invest ₹9.52 Lakh Crore in Data Centers in India
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, stated that in today’s era, energy and intelligence are inextricably linked and must be viewed as national priorities. Adani made these remarks regarding India’s future requirements during the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, held in New Delhi on Monday.
Citing the conflict in the Middle East, Adani asserted that energy security and digital security are no longer distinct entities; rather, both now serve as the foundational pillars of a nation’s national power. He emphasized that any nation that fails to build its capabilities during times of peace is bound to pay a heavy price during times of crisis.
The Meaning of True Freedom in the 21st Century
Speaking at the summit, Adani articulated that in the 21st century, true freedom signifies owning the energy that illuminates our homes and controlling the intelligence (AI) that guides our minds.
He noted that the world’s two largest economies—the United States and China—have deeply grasped this fundamental reality.
No Need to Fear AI Like Western Nations Do
Adani categorically dismissed claims that AI would displace human workers or diminish the scope of human decision-making. He asserted that India has no need to “import fear” from Western nations.
India should harness AI as a force that, rather than displacing opportunities, enhances productivity and generates new employment opportunities.
Data Center Capacity Expected to Reach 75 GW
Citing India’s mobile data revolution as a precedent, Adani predicted that AI would trigger a similar surge in growth, albeit one accompanied by significantly higher electricity consumption.
India’s data center capacity—currently projected to reach 5 Gigawatts (GW) by 2030—could potentially soar to 75 GW by the year 2047. By March 2026, India has surpassed the milestone of 500 GW in installed power capacity.
Adani Group’s $100 Billion Investment Plan
Gautam Adani stated that his group is focusing on three pillars for the digital future: Energy, Data Centers, and People.
Clean Energy:** The Group has pledged an investment of $100 billion—equivalent to ₹9.52 lakh crore—towards the energy transition.
Sovereign Computing:** There is also a plan to invest $100 billion to establish data centers on Indian soil.
Adani Foundation:** The Group has committed to a long-term investment of ₹60,000 crore in education, healthcare, and skill development, a significant portion of which will be allocated to AI-based skilling initiatives.
The Next Battle for Freedom Will Be Fought in Labs and Data Centers**
Adani asserted that India should not rent the infrastructure for its intelligent future, but rather build and operate it on its own soil.
According to Adani, the next battle for freedom will not be fought solely at the borders, but within our grids, data centers, factories, classrooms, laboratories, and minds.
What is Sovereign Computing?
It implies that a country’s data—along with the computing power required to process it—resides entirely within that country’s borders, thereby preventing external interference.
India’s Power Vision 2047
India aims to quadruple its power capacity to reach 2,000 Gigawatts (GW) by the year 2047.
