Microsoft Expands Pune Footprint with Strategic Land Purchases. Microsoft Strengthens India Presence with Major Investment in Pune.

Mumbai, 13th September 2024: Microsoft has made significant strides in enhancing its presence in India, acquiring a second land parcel in Pune’s Hinjewadi for a staggering Rs. 453 crore. This purchase comes on the heels of another acquisition in the same region last month, solidifying Hinjewadi’s status as a key hub for global technology giants.

Double Acquisition in Pune’s Tech Hub

In August 2024, Microsoft secured a 66,415 square metre (16.4-acre) land parcel valued at approximately Rs. 520 crore in Hinjewadi. This recent acquisition, which involved 66,450 square metres from Viva Highways Limited, highlights Microsoft’s strategic focus on expanding its real estate holdings in India. Both deals are a part of the company’s broader efforts to develop office spaces, development centres, and data centres in the country.

Insights from Square Yards

According to Anand Moorthy, Co-founder and CBO at Square Yards, “India is currently one of the most exciting markets for tech expansion, boasting a strong talent pool and evolving infrastructure. These factors, coupled with the government’s push to digitize land records and streamline land acquisition processes, are fostering greater confidence among global tech giants.” Moorthy also noted that India’s real estate sector is set for long-term appreciation, making it an ideal location for sustained capital investments by global firms.

Capital Commitment and Strategic Real Estate Growth

Microsoft’s recent purchase in Pune, registered under its Indian subsidiary, Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Limited, incurred a stamp duty of Rs. 27.18 crore and a registration fee of Rs. 30,000. The tech giant has been actively acquiring properties across India, including 25 acres in Pimpri-Chinchwad for Rs. 328 crore in 2022, and 48 acres in Hyderabad earlier this year for Rs. 267 crore.

These investments align with Microsoft’s long-term strategy of strengthening its data centre operations, with major facilities already in place in cities such as Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Empowering India’s Workforce: Microsoft’s Talent Development Initiatives

Beyond real estate, Microsoft is deeply invested in India’s talent development. The company’s ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative, launched earlier this year, aims to equip 2 million Indians with AI and digital skills by 2025, reinforcing Microsoft’s commitment to building a skilled workforce ready for the future.

A Growing Tech Ecosystem in India

Microsoft’s continued investments in India’s commercial real estate and workforce development underline its confidence in the country’s potential as a global tech powerhouse. With Hinjewadi becoming a focal point for expansion, the future of tech-driven growth in India looks promising.