Hyderabad: Former IT minister K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) has invited global AI leader OpenAI to establish its first office in India at Hyderabad. His move, made despite being in opposition, drew wide appreciation from citizens and industry watchers.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently announced on X that the company would open its maiden India office. Reacting swiftly, KTR extended an invitation, stating that Hyderabad is the most suitable destination. He highlighted the city’s ecosystem with T-Hub, We-Hub, T-Works and an established innovation culture.
Push for OpenAI Hyderabad office wins praise
KTR recalled that during his tenure, Telangana had declared 2020 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence” and hosted multiple AI-related programs. As the state’s first IT minister after formation, he introduced new industrial and IT policies and built Hyderabad into a global tech hub.
Exports from the Telangana IT sector grew from ₹57,258 crore in 2014 to ₹2.70 lakh crore by 2023-24, a rise of ₹2.13 lakh crore in a decade. KTR credited the ecosystem for attracting global companies and strengthening Hyderabad’s IT brand.
Netizens hailed his initiative. Comments praised his leadership, noting that rarely does an opposition leader push for investments in their state. Many contrasted his approach with leaders elsewhere, calling Hyderabad a model for stable governance.
