OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to visit India amid legal and AI challenges

India has become OpenAI’s second-largest user base, and Altman’s visit underscores the company's commitment to the AI industry in India

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is set to visit India next week, marking his first trip to the country in two years. Sources familiar with the matter reportedly revealed that Altman is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on February 5, with a possible meeting with government officials also on the agenda. While the details of his visit are not finalized, it is significant given the growing importance of India as a key market for OpenAI. India has become OpenAI’s second-largest user base, and Altman’s visit underscores the company's commitment to the AI industry in India.

In 2023, Altman met with Prime Minister Modi to discuss AI’s potential role in boosting India’s tech ecosystem. This year, his visit signals a new phase in fostering deeper ties with India, with the potential for collaboration in AI innovation and policy.

Legal battles and rising competition

Altman’s visit comes at a time when OpenAI is facing legal battles in India. The company is embroiled in a copyright lawsuit filed by local news agency ANI in a New Delhi court, accusing OpenAI of violating copyright laws. The case has since expanded, with major book publishers and digital media outlets, including those linked to billionaires Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, joining the lawsuit. OpenAI has denied the allegations, defending its AI models by stating they are trained only on publicly available data, and has also contested the jurisdiction of Indian courts.

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Sam Altman’s India visit is also timely as competition within the AI sector intensifies. Recently, Chinese AI startup DeepSeek surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT to become the top free app on the Apple’s App Store. This unexpected rise has raised concerns about OpenAI’s ability to maintain its dominance in the global AI market, especially in India, a crucial region for growth.

As OpenAI in India continues to evolve, Altman’s discussions with the Indian government may provide clarity on the company’s future direction in India, especially in light of the growing legal scrutiny and competition. This visit could shape the future of OpenAI’s presence and strategies in India and beyond.