For several years, tech giants based in the U.S. have seen India as a goldmine for expanding their digital footprint due to the country’s burgeoning internet user base. OpenAI is no exception to this trend. Although OpenAI celebrates India as one of the fastest burgeoning markets for its ChatGPT platform, third-party data indicates that converting this momentum into revenue has proven to be more challenging than expected.
Analytics from SensorTower reveal that since 2023, Indian users have spent $8 million on ChatGPT subscriptions via in-app purchases. This figure does not account for transactions made directly through the ChatGPT web app but remains a mere fraction of the $330 million that SensorTower estimates has been spent by U.S. users on in-app ChatGPT purchases.
One possible explanation for this disparity is the absence of localized pricing tailored for the Indian market. Currently, the most affordable ChatGPT plan in India is priced at $20 per month, which is more than ₹1,700—a steep price for many Indian users when it comes to digital subscriptions.
While OpenAI hasn’t disclosed precise figures regarding its growth in India, COO Brad Lightcap recently highlighted in a post that India is ChatGPT’s fastest-growing market. Despite the modest revenue figures thus far, India represents a critical opportunity for OpenAI’s expansion plans. CEO Sam Altman has ambitious goals for OpenAI, envisioning it as a platform with billions of users. India’s impressive number of over 950 million internet users could significantly accelerate this goal.
OpenAI appears to be strategizing to enhance its foothold in India by reportedly considering a partnership with Reliance Jio, a leading mobile carrier in the country, aiming to put ChatGPT in front of a wider audience.
Meanwhile, ChatGPT’s organic growth in India remains robust. Data from app analytics platform Appfigures shows that more than 20% of this year’s ChatGPT Android app downloads have originated from India. A notable surge in downloads was witnessed after the release of an enhanced image generator, which gained popularity for creating lifelike Ghibli-style artwork.
Globally, ChatGPT boasts upwards of 500 million weekly users, highlighting its extensive reach and potential for future growth. India’s role as a pivotal player in this digital expansion cannot be underestimated.
