Google's $15B India Data Center Draws Water and Displacement Criticism Despite Subsidies

As of May 28, 2026, Google's $15 billion AI data-center project in Visakhapatnam faces growing local backlash over water scarcity for cooling and farmer displacement, even as Indian authorities provide billions in subsidies. The incentives form part of a broader push by developing nations to attract U.S. tech giants building AI infrastructure. Similar moves by Amazon and Microsoft underscore the industry's race for overseas capacity. For investors, lower build costs support long-term growth, yet resource constraints and reputational risks add regulatory uncertainty. The story has shown little factual progression between the May 27 and May 28 reports.