Karan Bhatia, Google’s public policy head, called India a “second home,” citing its key role in AI and innovation.

Washington D.C, July 29, 2025 India has become one of Google’s most critical global markets. This is especially true in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, and public policy. Karan Bhatia, Google’s Global Chief for Public Affairs and Policy, emphasized this during a discussion at the company’s Washington D.C. office.

Bhatia previously served as the US Trade Representative (USTR) from 2005 to 2007. He is now a close aide to Google CEO Sundar Pichai. He highlighted India’s growing role in Google’s long-term global strategy. “India is like a second home for Google,” he said. He added that the US sees India as a “natural ally,” especially in shaping global AI norms and regulations.

Bhatia reiterated that India feels like Google’s second home, given the scale of its investments and the country’s strong growth and innovation ecosystem.

He also highlighted that India’s IT ecosystem, filled with talent and enterprise, continues to produce globally competitive companies. “India is a hub of innovation, with many promising IT and tech companies yet to emerge,” he added.

Google has made substantial investments in India over the years, ranging from infrastructure development to the creation of AI-powered solutions. These initiatives include support for Indian startups, upskilling programs, and the establishment of R&D hubs that are helping shape the future of Google’s technology stack.

Bhatia credited the strength of the US-India relationship for fostering a conducive environment for tech collaboration, particularly in AI. “The Biden administration, like Trump before it, has prioritized a deepened technological partnership with India,” he said.

The executive also commented on the growing need for global AI frameworks. As AI debates continue globally, Bhatia said India will play a key role, thanks to its talent and rising digital adoption.

Bhatia urged India to expand its education system beyond STEM, adding subjects like law, ethics, and social sciences to support responsible AI growth. He warned that without critical thinking and real-world skills, AI graduates may fall short in meeting future challenges.

“Google believes that India will continue to be one of the world’s great centers of technological advancement. That’s not just good for India, but for the entire digital ecosystem,” Bhatia concluded.

As AI shapes future global competition, India’s collaboration with tech giants like Google could influence both national policy and global digital norms.

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