Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resource Development, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, has urged Russian space and technology companies to invest in the state’s expanding space industry. Currently in Russia for the Russia–India Business Dialogue, Lokesh presented Andhra Pradesh’s ambitious plans in space, aerospace, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing sectors, inviting Russian firms to join in the state’s development. Highlighting the strategic significance of Andhra Pradesh in India’s space landscape, Lokesh emphasized that the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in the state is India’s sole operational spaceport, having facilitated over 100 space missions.
Lokesh mentioned that Andhra Pradesh has introduced Space Policy 4.0 and is establishing specialized space cities to bolster research, satellite development, launch systems, and cutting-edge innovation. One of the key projects is the proposed Tirupati Space City, spanning 3,000 acres near Sriharikota, envisioned as a center for launch vehicle assembly, satellite manufacturing, avionics production, and next-gen space technologies. The Minister aims to attract nearly $4 billion in investments to this ecosystem.
In a bid to encourage Russian involvement in Andhra Pradesh’s burgeoning space sector, Minister Lokesh highlighted the state’s appeal to Roscosmos technology partners, propulsion systems, satellite integrators, and space-tech companies looking to engage in the world’s rapidly growing space economy. Apart from space technology, Lokesh also underscored investment prospects in aerospace, energy, semiconductors, microelectronics, quantum computing, advanced healthcare technologies, and commodities.
Furthermore, Lokesh pointed out Andhra Pradesh’s emerging advanced manufacturing corridor in Sri Sathya Sai District, strategically situated near Bengaluru, as a promising site for aerospace, avionics, drone manufacturing, naval systems, and semiconductor industries. He emphasized the state’s efforts to create dedicated clusters for aerospace components, avionics, drones, naval systems, and semiconductors as part of India’s push for domestic manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat. Minister Lokesh stressed the enduring partnership between India and Russia, calling for deeper collaboration in forward-looking sectors and inviting Russian industries, technology firms, energy companies, and advanced manufacturers to invest in Andhra Pradesh for sustainable growth.
