Cisco’s big India bet: Powering the nation’s AI and data center future

Cisco is doubling down on its India strategy, with a renewed focus on AI-powered infrastructure, sovereign data centers, and deep collaboration with Indian CIOs. Speaking during an exclusive media roundtable, top global executives — including CEO Chuck Robbins and EVP & GM Jeetu Patel — laid out a vision to make India a core hub for global innovation, manufacturing, and AI deployment.

“Every time we visit India, we come back with 4-5 new ideas,” Robbins shared. “It’s no longer about cost efficiency—it’s about talent, innovation, and long-term strategic growth.”

India: A Growth Engine and Export Powerhouse

Cisco’s India operations, established over 30 years ago, are evolving rapidly — from being a global R&D center to now manufacturing select Cisco products exclusively in India for global markets.

While exact figures were not shared, executives confirmed that operations are ahead of schedule, and India has proven to be ...