TLDR: OpenAI has elevated Pragya Misra to Head of Strategy and Global Affairs for India, signaling a significant deepening of its commitment to the Indian market. In her expanded role, Misra will spearhead a unified long-term strategy encompassing product development, policy engagement, partnerships, and ecosystem growth, aiming to make advanced AI models accessible and affordable across the nation.
OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research and deployment company, has announced the promotion of Pragya Misra to the pivotal role of Head of Strategy and Global Affairs for India. This strategic elevation underscores OpenAI’s intensified focus on India, recognizing it as one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic technology markets, and its second-largest user base globally.
In her new capacity, Misra will be instrumental in shaping and executing a comprehensive, long-term India strategy. Her mandate includes driving initiatives across product development, policy formulation, strategic partnerships, and overall ecosystem development. The company aims to deepen its engagement in India, moving beyond merely supporting the ‘IndiaAI mission’ to actively making its frontier AI models both accessible and affordable for the Indian populace. Furthermore, Misra will focus on forging partnerships that foster inclusion, learning, and innovation within the country’s burgeoning AI landscape.
Misra, who joined OpenAI approximately 18 months ago as its inaugural India hire, initially led Global Affairs for the region, focusing on public policy and partnerships. Reflecting on her journey and the significance of her new role, Misra stated, “I believed deeply that India would shape the global AI landscape.” She added, “We are deepening our focus from supporting the IndiaAI mission to making our frontier models accessible and affordable, and building partnerships that drive inclusion, learning, and innovation.” She also emphasized that “India’s success is central to OpenAI’s mission,” expressing her enthusiasm to continue building with the team and partners.
Her extensive background in technology policy and communications positions her uniquely for this role. Prior to her tenure at OpenAI, Misra held senior leadership positions in public affairs at prominent organizations such as Truecaller and WhatsApp, and also served at the Royal Danish Embassy and EY. Her career is marked by significant contributions in stakeholder engagement, regulatory collaboration, and digital safety initiatives, providing her with invaluable expertise in navigating complex technological and policy environments.
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OpenAI’s commitment to India is further evidenced by recent initiatives, including the launch of the OpenAI Academy India in June 2025. This program, OpenAI’s first global education initiative, offers AI skills training in both English and Hindi, with plans for expansion into regional languages. It also provides API credits worth $100,000 to selected Indian startups and fellows, fostering local innovation. The company is also actively working on tailoring its products to meet the specific needs of India’s vast and price-sensitive market. As OpenAI continues to strengthen its footprint in India, including opening a local office and scaling its educational programs, Misra’s leadership is expected to be central to its next phase of growth in this critical market.
