By Eric Bellman

Alphabet Inc.'s Google will invest $10 billion in India, the company said, becoming the most recent tech leader to make a big bet on the country that many see as the world's last great untapped growth market.

The company has launched the Google for India Digitization Fund to invest the money over the next five to seven years through equity investments and partnerships, as well as in infrastructure, Sundar Pichai, chief executive of Google and Alphabet, said Monday at Google's annual event showcasing its business in India, which was held online.

"This is a reflection of our confidence in the future of India and its digital economy," he said.

With the new coronavirus driving new technology and ways of doing business, Mr. Pichai said, "Our goal is to ensure India not only benefits from the next wave of innovation, but leads it."

He said the investment would focus on four areas: affordable access in local Indian languages, new products and services aimed at Indians, helping businesses get online, and using technology to promote social issues including health and education.

Google, which has had operations in India since 2004, is increasing its commitment to the country as other big America names, including Facebook Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and Walmart Inc., have made big investment plans there.