OpenAI names Pragya Misra as Head of Strategy & Global Affairs

By: WE staff | Monday, 3 November 2025

• OpenAI has elevated Pragya Misra to Head of Strategy & Global Affairs, India
• This appointment further illustrates OpenAI's increasing commitment to develop the Indian market
• Misra joined OpenAI 18 months ago as Head of Global Affairs, India

OpenAI has named Pragya Misra as Head of Strategy & Global Affairs, India, indicating the company's increased commitment to growing in the Indian market.

Pragya has been at OpenAI for the last 18 months, having served as Head of Global Affairs for India, will now help architect a comprehensive long-term strategy across products, policy, partnerships, and ecosystem development.

On announcing her new expanded role, Pragya commented, “I always felt very strongly that India would shape the global AI landscape. We are merely deepening our focus—moving from supporting the IndiaAI mission to making our frontier models accessible and affordable, and building partnerships that drive inclusion, learning, and innovation."

India has become an important market for OpenAI and has now exceeded the second largest user base for OpenAI in the world.

Use of its AI tools in India has increased more than three times year-on-year. OpenAI has incorporated a local entity and will open its first office in India by the end of this year in New Delhi.

OpenAI's globalization plans are reflected in its expansion. The company is speaking with Indian partners regarding collaborative initiatives on AI infrastructure, and has announced the launch of OpenAI for Countries, which will work to build "advanced capabilities of AI into countries' ecosystems." 

In June 2025, OpenAI realized its partnership with the Indian government’s IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology by launching the OpenAI Academy India: the company’s inaugural global education initiative.

The program includes AI training in both English and Hindi, with plans to offer regional languages, as well as a pool of $100,000 in API credits for select Indian start-ups and fellows. 

OpenAI also announced ChatGPT Go, a ₹399 monthly subscription, as a low-cost offering option targeted at India's large user base, as well as one year of free access as an incentive to increase usage.

Pragya's expanded role illustrates OpenAI's goal to co-develop with and not just ship tech to the Indian AI ecosystem. This move aligns with the company's goal to be in step with local priorities in the face of increasing regulatory frameworks, and an emerging generation of domestic AI innovators.

"India's success is at the heart of OpenAI's mission,” said Pragya, who was excited to enhance partnerships and initiatives in the region.

The India office opening, expanded OpenAI Academy, and other collaborations for government and industry-wide activity signal an important next step for OpenAI - in one of its most significant global markets for AI.