Within two years of taking over from the previous YSRCP government and under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh is emerging as one of the global investment destinations, especially with the proactive efforts and strategic vision of IT, Electronics, and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh.
He has reignited competition with Karnataka to attract investments, emphasising Andhra Pradesh’s superior business ecosystem, which includes strong infrastructure, 24-hour power, and thriving industrial clusters like Kia Motors in Anantapur.
Lokesh has been positioning the State as the global hotspot for emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, and the Chief Minister is charting a course for AP’s industrial resurgence.
“Our goal is to create a future-ready ecosystem where innovation meets opportunity,” Lokesh stated during his Australia CII partnership tour. His leadership emphasises world-class infrastructure, reliable power supply, and investor-friendly policies that collectively make Andhra Pradesh irresistible to global investors.
Landmark investments and strategic partnerships
Under Lokesh’s guidance, Andhra Pradesh has seen landmark deals that showcase both scale and ambition. The $15 billion Google AI and Data Centre Hub in Visakhapatnam stands out as a transformative project, projected to generate 1.88 lakh jobs and solidify AP’s position in cutting-edge technology sectors.
Other significant investments in 2025 include:
- Raymond Group: ₹1,000 crore in aerospace and automotive manufacturing in Anantapur, creating 5,400 jobs.
- JK Maini Global Aerospace and JK Maini Precision Technology: ₹510 crore and ₹430 crore, respectively, for expanding industrial hubs.
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL): ₹95,000 crore refinery and petrochemical complex near Ramayapatnam Port.
- Expansions by TCS, Cognizant, Daikin, LG, HFCL, Apollo Tyres, and multiple green-tech ventures.
These projects illustrate Lokesh’s commitment to sectoral diversification, from IT and electronics to manufacturing, green energy, and urban infrastructure.
Twitter tussle amplifies AP’s global investment edge
In the digital age, leadership extends beyond policy rooms and board meetings. Leveraging Twitter as a platform for strategic communication, Lokesh has projected Andhra Pradesh as a global investment hotspot, directly engaging with competitors and critics while broadcasting the state’s economic rise to a worldwide audience.
Bold messaging that captures attention
Lokesh’s tweets have struck a chord nationally and internationally. One viral post read:
“They say Andhra food is spicy. Seems some of our investments are too. Some neighbours are already feeling the burn.” 🌶🔥 #AndhraRising #YoungestStateHighestInvestment
The message, highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s landmark $15 billion Google AI and data centre hub in Visakhapatnam, showcased the State’s growing clout on the global technology stage, while cleverly reinforcing its competitive advantage over neighbouring states like Karnataka.
He also directly highlighted challenges in rival regions, contrasting Andhra’s investor-friendly reforms, modern infrastructure, and streamlined governance against inefficiencies elsewhere. Adding to the narrative, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu quipped: “The ‘G’ in Vizag now stands for Google,” cementing the State’s emergence as an economic powerhouse in public discourse.
Responding to criticism with strategy
When Karnataka ministers criticised Andhra’s incentives as excessive, Lokesh maintained a measured but confident stance. His response emphasised tangible results over rhetoric:
By combining wit with data-driven narratives, Lokesh has consistently highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s policy effectiveness, infrastructure readiness, and investor-first approach. This positioned the State as a credible and attractive destination for both domestic and international capital.
Beyond playful rivalry, Lokesh’s online engagement is strategically crafted:
- Sharing real-time updates on investments and government reforms
- Amplifying Andhra Pradesh’s achievements on a global stage
- Countering negative narratives with credible data and visuals.
The campaign has successfully elevated Andhra Pradesh’s profile internationally, positioning it as a dynamic, reform-oriented state ready to compete for global investments.
The Twitter tussle has sparked national attention and created a positive international buzz, enhancing investor confidence and interest. Through strategic messaging, Lokesh has turned a social media platform into a powerful tool for shaping economic perceptions, reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s story as a future-ready, innovation-led hub for technology, manufacturing, and sustainable growth.
Lokesh’s Australia tour: A way forward for aqua farmers of AP
In October 2025, Lokesh led a strategic investment mission to Australia, a move that elevated Andhra Pradesh’s global profile.
During the tour, the IT and HRD Minister stressed collaborations in the education sector, AI, and agriculture. He also announced plans for academic partnerships with top Australian universities to conduct joint research in AI, precision agriculture, and climate-resilient technologies.
In a significant development, Lokesh’s efforts resulted in Australia granting its nod for the first import of unpeeled Indian prawns, opening new avenues for Andhra’s seafood exports. He also engaged with business leaders in New South Wales on urban sustainability, skill development, and investment opportunities. The Minister also invited Australian delegations to participate in Visakhapatnam, fostering deeper international ties.
Lokesh attributed Andhra Pradesh’s $120 billion investment influx to its investor-friendly policies, presenting a strong business pitch for the State.
“By creating bridges between global innovators and local industries, we are positioning Andhra Pradesh not just as a regional leader, but as a global economic hub,” Lokesh remarked during the summit.
Transforming Andhra Pradesh into a future-ready economy
According to recent government reports, Andhra Pradesh attracted over 4.47 lakh crore (~$54 billion) in 2024-25, covering IT, electronics, renewable energy, services, and manufacturing sectors.
Minister Lokesh’s strategies have attracted capital and created employment opportunities, positioning Andhra Pradesh as an innovation-led, future-ready State.
