Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Meta Platforms have announced a major partnership to develop an AI-enabled data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, marking a significant step in India’s growing role as a global hub for artificial intelligence infrastructure.

According to a Reliance Industries press release, the project will see RIL develop a built-to-suit data centre with an initial capacity of 168 MW, which is expected to be delivered within the next two years. The facility will also have the option for future expansion as demand grows.

The development is particularly significant as it will be Meta’s first built-to-suit data centre capacity in India. Under the agreement, Meta will lease capacity from the facility to support its global infrastructure requirements, including its rapidly expanding artificial intelligence computing needs.

The partnership further strengthens the long-standing relationship between Reliance and Meta, which has evolved over the years across connectivity, digital commerce and technology initiatives. The companies said the new facility will contribute to India’s emergence as an important destination for large-scale AI infrastructure investments.

As part of the agreement, Reliance will provide end-to-end services covering the entire lifecycle of the data centre. This includes design, construction, utility management, renewable power supply, network connectivity and fully managed operational services. The company aims to position itself as a comprehensive infrastructure partner for global technology firms seeking hyperscale AI capabilities in India.

Jamnagar was selected for the project due to several strategic advantages, including access to renewable energy resources, water availability, strong delivery capabilities and proximity to India’s western submarine cable landing stations. The location also benefits from Jio’s extensive fibre network infrastructure, providing robust connectivity for global operations.

The facility will incorporate sustainability-focused measures, with renewable energy powering operations and desalinated seawater being used for cooling purposes. The approach aligns with the environmental commitments of both Reliance and Meta while supporting the energy-intensive requirements of AI workloads.

Reliance Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani described the partnership as a landmark moment for India’s digital infrastructure sector. He said the project demonstrates India’s readiness to play a leading role in the global AI revolution and highlighted Reliance’s commitment to building world-class infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation AI innovation.

Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company was proud to collaborate with Reliance on its first AI-enabled data centre in India. He noted that the facility would help Meta scale its global AI infrastructure while reinforcing its long-term investment commitment to the Indian economy.

The announcement comes as India continues to position itself as a key destination for digital infrastructure investments. The Government of India has identified data centres as strategic national infrastructure and introduced policy measures aimed at attracting global investments in AI and data centre ecosystems.

Industry observers believe the Reliance-Meta partnership could serve as a catalyst for further investments in AI-focused infrastructure, strengthening India’s role in the global technology value chain while supporting the country’s ambitions in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.