Sydney: Google is planning to build a powerful artificial intelligence data centre on Christmas Island, a small Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. The project is seen as part of Google’s effort to expand its global cloud infrastructure and strengthen its cooperation with the Australian government.

Reports say the plan follows a recent cloud services agreement between Google and the Australian Department of Defence. Although Google has not disclosed the project’s cost or size, discussions are said to be in advanced stages, including a possible lease of land near the island’s airport. A local mining company may also partner with Google to help provide power for the facility.

Experts believe the location has strategic importance. Christmas Island sits near key shipping routes such as the Sunda, Lombok, and Malacca Straits, areas that are crucial for maritime security. Analysts suggest that the data centre could support Australia’s defence operations, particularly in monitoring naval activity in the region.

To support the new data hub, Google is expected to connect the island with a subsea cable running to Darwin, ensuring strong and reliable data links. This project could also make the island a communication and technology hub in the Indian Ocean.

Local leaders and residents are divided over the plan. Many welcome the potential economic benefits, including job creation and infrastructure improvements. Others worry about environmental impacts and the risk of the island becoming more militarised due to its strategic role.

Google’s project on Christmas Island adds to a growing global trend of building data centres in remote or strategically important locations. The company is also investing heavily in AI infrastructure across Asia, including a multibillion-dollar project in India.

While many details remain unclear, the Christmas Island initiative highlights how the growing demand for AI and cloud computing is reshaping the world’s digital and geopolitical landscape.