Bengaluru Secures 26th Spot in Global AI City Index 2025; Singapore Leads the Pack

In a significant milestone for India’s AI ambitions, Bengaluru has been ranked 26th in the Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Index, making it the highest-ranked Indian city on the list. The index, released by Counterpoint Research, evaluates cities based on AI infrastructure, research output, public-private initiatives, and innovation ecosystems.

Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) City Index

Other Indian Cities Gaining Ground

Alongside Bengaluru, other Indian metropolises like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata are also showing notable progress in adopting and developing AI technologies. While Bengaluru takes the lead, “Mumbai and Delhi are leveraging AI in innovative ways for traffic management and public security, and are expected to rise in future rankings,” the report stated.

This upward trajectory highlights India’s growing footprint in the global AI landscape, particularly through smart city solutions, surveillance systems, and tech-driven governance.

Global Leaders: Singapore Tops, Seoul and Beijing Close Behind

At the global level, Singapore claimed the top spot in the AI City Index, followed by Seoul, Beijing, Dubai, and San Francisco. Singapore's lead is driven by “a vibrant startup ecosystem and strong public-private collaborations across sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and telecommunications.”

Seoul stood out for its AI applications in healthcare and education, while Beijing made headlines by “announcing formal AI education programs for all primary and secondary school students starting in 2025.” These initiatives are positioning these cities as pioneers in integrating AI into the daily lives of citizens and national education systems.

Fastest Growing AI Cities Globally

The report also identified Bengaluru, Riyadh, Hangzhou, and São Paulo among the fastest-growing AI hubs worldwide. These cities are experiencing rapid development in AI research, infrastructure, and investment, significantly boosting their global AI influence.

Bengaluru: A Global AI R&D and Data Center Destination

According to the report, “Bengaluru has established itself as a global AI R&D and data center hub, attracting significant foreign investment through its thriving startup ecosystem.” This status is supported by robust technical talent, the presence of global tech firms, and academic institutions fostering AI research and development.

India’s Need for a Robust AI Policy Framework

Despite the progress, the report emphasizes a critical point: “Indian cities could benefit from a more comprehensive roadmap and a robust regulatory framework to fully capitalize on AI’s potential.” India’s future success in AI hinges on clearly defined policies, ethical guidelines, and strategic public investment.

Experts argue that while the private sector in India is thriving, policy gaps and regulatory uncertainty may hinder large-scale AI adoption across industries. The government has recently initiated programs like IndiaAI Mission, but a centralized and inclusive roadmap is still awaited.

Tech Giants Expanding AI Footprint

On the industry front, Microsoft emerged as the most active vendor, leading the charge with AI training programs, innovation hubs, and data center expansion across several cities.

The report highlights, “Microsoft emerged as the most active vendor, expanding its AI data center presence, conducting AI training programs, and launching innovation hubs.” Meanwhile, Google and Amazon have also strengthened their AI capabilities through increased infrastructure investments and research initiatives.

This global expansion by Big Tech players is intensifying competition and accelerating the development of AI ecosystems worldwide.

US-China AI Gap Expected to Narrow

In a forward-looking statement, the report predicts that with rising investments in supercomputing, the current technology gap between North America and China is likely to shrink. China’s AI efforts are increasingly supported by national policy and military-grade infrastructure, potentially disrupting the traditional dominance of Silicon Valley in AI innovation.

Conclusion: India’s AI Future Holds Immense Promise, But Needs Strategic Direction

Bengaluru’s impressive 26th rank in the Global AI City Index 2025 underscores India’s growing relevance in the global artificial intelligence landscape. With a vibrant startup ecosystem, strong academic presence, and increasing foreign investment, Bengaluru has firmly positioned itself as the nation’s AI capital. Other Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata are also rising rapidly in AI adoption and innovation.

However, to truly unlock the transformative power of AI, the country needs a cohesive national roadmap, clear regulatory frameworks, and sustained public-private partnerships. While global cities such as Singapore, Seoul, and Beijing continue to set benchmarks with forward-looking AI policies and education programs, Indian cities must align their ambitions with strategic planning and policy support.

As AI reshapes industries and urban ecosystems, India stands at a critical juncture—poised for global leadership, provided it strengthens its foundation with the right governance, investment, and innovation frameworks.