OpenAI hires its first employee in India and appoints a head of government relations

OpenAI, the developer behind the popular ChatGPT, has made a significant move by hiring its first employee in India. The company has appointed Pragya Misra as the government relations head in the country, just as India gears up for a new administration that will play a crucial role in shaping artificial intelligence regulations.

Misra, who has previously worked at Truecaller AB and Meta Platforms Inc., will be leading public policy affairs and partnerships for OpenAI in India. This hiring decision comes at a time when governments worldwide are grappling with how to regulate the rapidly evolving AI technology.

India, with its massive population and growing economy, presents a lucrative opportunity for global tech companies like OpenAI. However, navigating the Indian market can be challenging due to the stringent regulations aimed at protecting local businesses.

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has emphasized the importance of integrating AI technologies into government services to improve sectors like healthcare. During his visit to India last year, Altman highlighted the need for countries to support AI research that benefits society as a whole.

With competition from tech giants like Google, who are developing AI models tailored for the Indian market, OpenAI is looking to establish a strong presence in the country. Altman has stressed the need for responsible AI development and has called for regulations to prevent potential harm from the technology.

As OpenAI expands its operations in India, the appointment of Pragya Misra signals the company’s commitment to navigating the complex regulatory landscape and fostering partnerships in the region.