Microsoft Launches Fourth Cloud Region in India

Microsoft launched its fourth cloud region in India in Hyderabad on 21 September 2026. The new facility, named the India South Central cloud region, became generally available on 6 August 2026 and adds to Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure in Pune, Chennai, and Mumbai.

Cloud Region and Hyperscale Infrastructure

A cloud region is a geographic area that contains multiple data centres connected through a high-speed network. Hyperscale cloud infrastructure refers to large-scale computing systems designed to support storage, processing, and networking services for enterprise and public-sector users. The Hyderabad region is Microsoft’s largest hyperscale cloud infrastructure presence in India. Microsoft’s cloud regions in India are part of its Azure global network, which provides cloud computing, storage, and artificial intelligence services.

Cooling System and Data Centre Design

The Hyderabad facility uses an effectively zero-water cooling system. It relies on air-cooled chillers instead of traditional water-based cooling systems used in many data centres. Data centres require cooling systems to maintain operating temperatures for servers, networking equipment, and storage hardware. Air-cooled systems reduce dependence on water for thermal management.

Investment, Capacity, and Market Context

The launch is part of Microsoft’s 20.5 billion investment commitment for India’s digital and AI infrastructure. Microsoft India and South Asia President Puneet Chandok stated that India generates 20% of global data and has 3% of data capacity. IDC data projects India’s public cloud services spending to reach 45.7 billion by 2030. The same data set places AI spending growth at twice the rate of public cloud services spending.

Important Facts for Exams

• Microsoft Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing platform and includes regions, availability zones, and data centres.
• Hyderabad is a major technology and data centre hub in India.
• Air-cooled chillers are used in data centres to manage heat without conventional water-based cooling.
• Hyperscale cloud infrastructure is designed for rapid expansion of computing capacity and storage.

Global and Regional Relevance

Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith stated that the new region will provide organisations in India and Asia with increased capacity, greater resilience, and more choice. Cloud regions are used by enterprises, governments, and developers for local data processing and service delivery.