Bharti Airtel is doubling down on its digital infrastructure ambitions, with its data centre arm, Nxtra Data Limited, set to raise $1 billion in fresh funding. The round, led by Alpha Wave Global, The Carlyle Group, and Anchorage Capital Group, will value Nxtra at approximately $3.1 billion, reflecting strong investor confidence in India’s AI-led data economy.
Alpha Wave is expected to invest $435 million, Carlyle $240 million, and Anchorage $35 million, while Airtel will infuse around $290 million to retain a controlling stake. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals.
Nxtra, carved out in 2020, has rapidly expanded its footprint to 14 core data centres and over 120 edge facilities nationwide. With nearly 300 MW of capacity today, the company is targeting a scale-up to 1 GW in the coming years, alongside a 25% market share. New investments will accelerate AI-focused campuses in key cities, including Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
As players like Reliance Industries and Adani Group ramp up similar bets, India’s data centre sector is emerging as a critical gateway into the global AI ecosystem, where scale, speed, and sustainability will define leadership.
