Microsoft launches fourth Azure region in Hyderabad

Microsoft has launched its fourth and largest cloud computing region in India, a major expansion of its infrastructure in one of the world's fastest-growing digital economies. The new "India South Central" region, located in Hyderabad, became generally available on August 6, 2026, and is part of the company's broader $20.5 billion investment commitment to the country's cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

The Hyderabad facility consists of three availability zones, a design that provides high availability and disaster recovery for critical workloads. Microsoft stated the data center was built to comply with Indian regulatory and seismic safety standards. The launch gives Microsoft the largest hyperscale cloud footprint in India, adding to its existing regions in Pune, Chennai, and Mumbai.

The expansion is a direct response to surging demand for cloud and AI services from Indian enterprises. Early customers of the new region include major corporations such as the Adani Group, Bajaj Finserv, HDFC Bank, and PB Pay. For regulated sectors like banking, the local infrastructure helps meet stringent data residency and sovereignty requirements. HDFC Bank noted the region...