Why India Became Anthropic's Biggest AI Bet As Claude Gets Local Pricing?

Anthropic said India now accounts for 5.8% of global Claude.ai usage, making it the company's second-largest market by usage share after the United States. The company introduced India-specific rupee pricing for its Claude plans, with Claude Pro available at 2,000 rupees per month when billed annually, Claude Max starting at 11,999 rupees per month and Claude Team plans beginning at 2,399 rupees per seat per month. Anthropic said the pricing simplifies billing for local users by removing direct dollar conversion calculations, though payment options do not yet include UPI. The India-listed Claude Pro annual price is higher than the US base price of $17 per month before taxes, with comparisons affected by currency exchange rates and different tax structures. Anthropic data shows nearly half of Claude activity in India involves computer and mathematical tasks such as software development and system modernisation, distinguishing it from markets driven by consumer productivity tools. However, the country ranks much lower on Claude usage per working-age population, suggesting usage is driven by scale and the technology workforce rather than universal adoption. The pricing rollout follows Anthropic's broader expansion, including a Bengaluru office opened in 2026 and the appointment of former Microsoft India Managing Director Irina Ghose to lead India operations.