Lokesh Invites Russian Investments In AP’s Space, Tech And Energy Sectors

: Andhra Pradesh Information Technology, Educational Electronics, Communication and Human Resource Development Minister N. Lokesh on Thursday in St. At the India-Russia Business Forum in St. Petersburg, India-Russia took a strong step towards further deepening economic cooperation. He invited Russian companies in the space, energy, aviation and technology sectors to operate in Andhra Pradesh and become partners in the state’s ambitious industrial growth plans. St. Speaking at the India-Russia Business Forum on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Lokesh touched upon the long-standing strategic relationship between India and Russia, especially AP. He said Andhra Pradesh can play a crucial role in achieving the ambitious bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030 set by Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin. Describing India-Russia ties as a trust-based partnership, the AP minister recalled Russia’s contribution to India’s development through landmark collaborations such as Bhilai Steel Plant, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, BrahMos missile program and Gaganyaan mission. He underlined that the foundation built over decades now needs to be expanded into new age sectors.

Lokesh highlighted successful Indo-Russian industrial partnerships, including the RUSAL-backed Pioneer Alumina Project in Anakapalli and Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy. He urged Russian investors to explore emerging opportunities in Andhra Pradesh. The minister focused mainly on the state’s growing space economy. Referring to the launch of India’s first satellite Aryabhata on a Soviet rocket in 1975, he said the next chapter of Indo-Russia cooperation could be written from Andhra Pradesh, home to India’s only operational spaceport at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Lokesh unveiled plans for the proposed 2,800-acre Tirupati Space City, envisaged as a hub for satellite manufacturing, launch vehicle assembly, avionics manufacturing and deep technology innovation. He invited Russian space organizations, including technology partners, thrusters and satellite integrators, to establish presence in Andhra Pradesh. The minister promoted Andhra Pradesh as a manufacturing and technology hub for companies looking to join India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He highlighted opportunities in semiconductors, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, drones, aerospace, marine systems and advanced manufacturing, especially around the Advanced Manufacturing Cluster in Sri Sathya Sai district.

Emphasizing the state’s investor-friendly ecosystem, Lokesh cited its 1,053-kilometer coastline, six operational ports, industrial land availability, reliable energy infrastructure and rapid project implementation. “We are known for the speed at which we do business,” he told the meeting. In conclusion, the minister urged Russian industries to consider Andhra Pradesh as a long-term strategic partner. “On land, on sea and beyond the stars above, Andhra Pradesh is ready… India is ready,” he said.