Okta, a top global provider of cloud-based Identity and Access Management (IAM). With  an emphasis on R&D and AI-driven innovation, Okta has announced a major expansion  of its activities in India. It intends to make significant investments in upgrading its  Bengaluru campus, which will serve as a key centre for creating the next-generation  Identity Security Fabric. This layer is essential for protecting digital ecosystems in the  fast-changing AI landscape. 

The improved facility will speed up the development of AI-driven identity technologies  for both Indian and global markets. Since 2023, Okta has already increased its India’s  workforce to 700 workers and hopes to grow this number by nearly 50% by 2026. This  growth will concentrate on engineering talent and product development, supporting  

Okta’s larger goal of securing AI on a large scale. 

India’s Strategic Role in Okta’s Global Growth 

The company states that this expansion shows India’s increasing role as a global  technology talent hub. It also fits with Okta’s long-term goal to grow its global revenue  from $5 billion to $10 billion, with the Bengaluru campus playing an essential part of this  strategy. 

Shakeel Khan, Regional Vice President & Country Manager for Okta India, mentioned  that the Bengaluru expansion aims to “Develop at AI’s pace”. He highlighted that India’s  vast talent pool is well-equipped to tackle the complex security issues related to AI 

agents and the growing identity landscape. The improved facility is expected to become  the “engine that develops the access layer of the future,” helping Okta lead worldwide  efforts to secure the Age of AI. 

Rising AI Security Risks Highlight IAM Importance

Okta’s research shows a concerning gap in AI security readiness. Although 91% of  organizations are using AI agents in which only 10% of agents have adequate security  plans to protect them. The company warns that without effective identity controls and  strong authentication, businesses could observe a 40% failure rate while deploying AI  agents by 2027. 

Stephanie Barnett, temporary general manager and vice president of presales for the  APJ region, mentioned that over half of organizations now view modern identity and  access management as its primary AI defense. With the fast rise of Generative AI and  Agentic AI, it is crucial for organizations in all sectors to secure AI agents and manage  their access effectively. 

Conclusion : Strengthening India’s Cybersecurity Leadership

Okta’s choice to expand its research and development operations and AI projects in  Bengaluru is an important step in enhancing India’s role in worldwide panorama of AI  and cybersecurity. By leveraging India’s engineering expertise alongside Okta’s  leadership in identity security, the company intends to create advanced solutions that  can safeguard digital spaces in a world that is becoming more driven by AI. 

This strategic investment not only speeds up Okta’s innovation plans but also  strengthens India’s emerging position as a worldwide centre for AI, cybersecurity, and  technological excellence.