Forced Localization: Meta Builds Data Center in India in Alliance with Reliance

Asian regulators are successfully imposing their rules of the game on Western corporations. On June 10, 2026, Meta Platforms confirmed the signing of a strategic partnership with Reliance Industries (owned by Mukesh Ambani). The companies will build their first joint 168 MW AI data center in the Indian city of Jamnagar.

This project is Mark Zuckerberg's direct reaction to the recent tightening of control over AI and biometrics by India's Ministry of IT (the June 6 case). New Delhi has de facto banned the siphoning of Indian data abroad. To maintain access to the largest consumer market and the WhatsApp/Instagram audience for training Llama models, Meta is forced to "ground" physical infrastructure within the country. Partnering with the local mega-monopolist Reliance guarantees the American corporation political "cover" and uninterrupted access to power grids, sharing AI revenues with local capital.

Source: Meta / Reliance / Reuters