In a bold move to expand their artificial intelligence footprint in India, OpenAI and Meta are in talks with Reliance Industries, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, for strategic partnerships. Reports suggest OpenAI could slash ChatGPT’s subscription price by up to 85%, aiming to broaden its reach, while both tech giants explore integrating their AI models with Reliance’s vast digital ecosystem. These developments, revealed on March 22, 2025, signal a potential AI revolution in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
OpenAI Meta
OpenAI, the force behind ChatGPT, is discussing a collaboration with Reliance Jio, the telecom arm of Ambani’s conglomerate, to distribute its flagship AI chatbot across India. Sources indicate the company is also considering hosting its models locally in Reliance’s upcoming three-gigawatt data center in Jamnagar, Gujarat—touted as the world’s largest—to ensure data security for Indian users. Meanwhile, Meta is exploring a similar deal, setting the stage for a high-stakes rivalry between the two AI powerhouses.
A game-changer in these negotiations could be OpenAI’s plan to drastically cut ChatGPT’s subscription cost. Currently priced at $20 per month, the service might drop to just a few dollars, a move designed to make advanced AI accessible to millions more users. Though it’s unclear if this price reduction is part of the Reliance talks, the prospect has sparked excitement about democratizing AI in India.
Reliance, a dominant player in India’s digital and enterprise sectors, brings significant leverage to the table. The company has reportedly discussed selling OpenAI’s models to its business customers via an application programming interface (API), a step that could integrate cutting-edge AI into industries ranging from telecom to retail. For Meta, a partnership could bolster its own AI ambitions, leveraging Reliance’s infrastructure to compete head-on with OpenAI.
India’s massive digital market makes it a prime target for this AI push. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently highlighted the country as the company’s second-largest market, with its user base tripling in the past year. A partnership with Reliance Jio, which boasts over 400 million subscribers, could turbocharge ChatGPT’s adoption and cement OpenAI’s dominance in the region.
Meta, meanwhile, is not sitting idle. The social media giant, which has been ramping up its AI efforts, sees Reliance as a key ally to challenge OpenAI’s lead in generative AI. Both companies are betting on India’s tech-savvy population and Reliance’s unparalleled network to scale their offerings.
The timing of these discussions aligns with broader industry trends. OpenAI’s potential price cut comes as competition heats up, with rivals like Google, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s xAI vying for market share. For Reliance, hosting AI models locally could position it as a central player in India’s tech landscape, especially with its Jamnagar data center set to come online.
If successful, this collaboration could reshape how AI is accessed and utilized in India. Lower ChatGPT prices and Reliance’s distribution muscle might unleash a wave of innovation, from small businesses to large enterprises. As talks progress, the tech world watches closely—India’s AI future may hinge on this ambitious alliance.
Muhammad Ali is a tech journalist covering the latest in gadgets, AI, and innovation. Stay updated with his insights on GadgetStories. 🚀