Google and Reliance Join Forces to Bring Free AI Pro Access to Jio Users
In a major move to boost its artificial intelligence footprint, Google has partnered with Reliance Industries to offer free AI Pro access to millions of Jio users in India. The collaboration aims to make AI more accessible across the world’s largest growing digital market.
Under the 18-month plan, eligible Jio users will receive complimentary access to AI Pro bundled with their 5G plans. The initiative follows a similar partnership earlier this year between another AI firm and Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator.
India, home to over a billion internet users, has become a key testing ground for global technology companies. Many firms see it as the next major frontier for gathering diverse data and testing scalable AI use cases. This partnership reflects that strategic ambition while reinforcing India’s role as a major player in the generative AI era.
The offer will initially roll out to users aged 18 to 25 before expanding nationwide. It provides access to advanced AI tools such as Gemini 2.5 Pro, Notebook LM, and creative generators like Nano Banana and Veo 3.1. Additionally, users receive 2 TB of cloud storage across Photos, Gmail, Drive, and WhatsApp backups.
Building Local AI Ecosystems
According to the companies, the offer valued at ₹35,100 (around $396) is designed to make advanced AI tools more widely available. Beyond the consumer plan, Reliance has also partnered with Google Cloud to extend access to tensor processing units (TPUs) in India.
Through its AI subsidiary, Reliance Intelligence, the telecom leader will co-develop enterprise solutions and prebuilt AI agents tailored for the Indian market. This collaboration is expected to empower businesses with scalable AI infrastructure while fostering innovation at the local level.
The partnership aligns with Reliance’s broader AI strategy announced during its 48th annual general meeting in August. The company, along with its global partners, committed to major investments to strengthen India’s AI capabilities through shared infrastructure and research initiatives.
India’s Expanding Role in the Global AI Race
As international AI companies accelerate their presence in India, competition is heating up. Earlier this week, another major AI firm revealed plans to provide free access to its entry-level AI plan for Indian users starting November 4. This move underscores the region’s growing influence on the future of generative AI adoption.
India already ranks among the top global markets for AI tools like Nano Banana, ChatGPT, and Claude. Expanding free access to premium AI subscriptions could further increase adoption, allowing millions of users to experience advanced AI tools for the first time.
However, while such initiatives drive early engagement, questions remain about long-term revenue potential once free offers end. Still, partnerships like this highlight India’s transformation from a fast-growing consumer base into an AI innovation hub.
“Through our collaboration with strategic and long-term partners like Google, we aim to make India not just AI-enabled but AI-empowered where every citizen and enterprise can harness intelligent tools to create, innovate, and grow,” Ambani said.
