Andhra Pradesh Aims to Lead India’s AI Revolution, Says Minister Nara Lokesh
Andhra Pradesh is determined to position itself at the forefront of India’s artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, with a vision to have an AI professional in every family, IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh announced on Wednesday. Speaking at a Bay Area Council meeting in Silicon Valley, Lokesh revealed that Google is set to lay the foundation stone for its new data center in the state in March 2026.
Addressing a gathering of global tech leaders and investors, Nara Lokesh detailed the state government’s ambitious economic agenda, which aims to expand Andhra Pradesh’s economy from its current $180 billion to $2.4 trillion. He stated that achieving this target requires a consistent 15% growth rate, which the state plans to drive through a cluster-based development model across 20 key sectors, including automotive, renewable energy, electronics, and AI.
Nara Lokesh presented three core reasons for global companies to invest in Andhra Pradesh: experienced leadership, speed of business, and a strong relationship with the central government. He cited the "stable track record" of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and noted that the new state cabinet is a blend of experience and fresh perspectives, with 17 of its 25 ministers being first-timers.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to rapid project execution, Lokesh said, "Once an agreement is signed with us, it’s not just your project; it’s our project." He shared examples of this efficiency, noting that the groundwork for ArcelorMittal’s steel plant began just 16 months after the initial discussion, while the agreement with Google was finalized in 13 months. He also announced that a foundation ceremony for a Cognizant facility is scheduled for December 12.
The minister emphasized that the government is leveraging technology to streamline processes, including his personal monitoring of high-value investments through dedicated WhatsApp groups.
Outlining the state’s AI-centric strategy, Nara Lokesh mentioned that his recent two-hour discussion with Google’s leadership affirmed that the tech giant's investment is "just the beginning." He explained that Andhra Pradesh is launching a comprehensive skill census using conversational AI to map the workforce, from air conditioner technicians to AI engineers.
The event was attended by prominent figures including representatives from the World Economic Forum, Oracle, Fusion Fund, and other leading venture capital firms, signaling strong international interest in the state’s development roadmap.