Uber is significantly enhancing its technology presence in India, announcing plans for two expansive new engineering campuses and a strategic partnership for its inaugural data center in the country. This move underscores the company’s commitment to bolstering its global product development capabilities and infrastructure operations, leveraging India’s burgeoning tech talent pool.

The ride-hailing and delivery giant detailed its intention to establish two state-of-the-art campuses in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, both prominent software and engineering hubs. These facilities, slated for completion by the end of 2027, are designed to accommodate approximately 9,600 employees, substantially expanding Uber’s existing operations in these cities. Furthermore, Uber has forged a partnership with the Indian conglomerate Adani Group to develop its first data center within India, projected to become operational in the fourth quarter of 2026. These key announcements were made during a recent visit to India by Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

Currently, Uber employs around 3,500 individuals in India and is actively seeking to recruit more technical professionals. This hiring drive aligns with the company’s increased global investments in artificial intelligence, focusing on roles in generative AI, machine learning, autonomous vehicle operations, and critical back-end infrastructure. India has emerged as a vital engineering and product development hub for multinational technology firms, primarily due to its vast pool of skilled software engineers. For Uber, this expansion is pivotal as it seeks to diversify beyond its core ride-hailing business and intensify its focus on AI, automation, and autonomous vehicle technologies. Earlier this year, Uber injected $330 million into its Indian operations to strengthen its footprint.

Despite these strategic investments, India presents a dynamic and challenging market for ride-hailing services. The sector grapples with intense price competition, occasional supply shortages, high driver incentive costs, and evolving regulatory landscapes that have, at times, disrupted services in various cities. Uber also faces stiff competition from local players such as Rapido, which CEO Khosrowshahi identified last year as having surpassed Ola to become the company’s primary competitor in the region. Nevertheless, Uber’s sustained investment and expansion signal its long-term vision for India as a crucial engineering and infrastructure base for its worldwide operations, driven by the escalating demand for AI talent and advanced computing capacity.