AP woos Russian space and tech firms for investment

Andhra Pradesh IT minister, Nara Lokesh urged global investors in Russia to use Andhra Pradesh as their launch pad.

Participating in the Russia–India Business Dialogue at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026, Lokesh showcased the state’s ambitious plans in the space, aerospace, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing sectors, inviting Russian companies to become long-term partners in Andhra Pradesh’s growth story.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s strategic importance in India’s space ecosystem, Lokesh noted that the state’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre is India’s only operational spaceport and has been the launch site for more than 100 space missions.\

“India’s only operational space port, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, is in my state of Andhra Pradesh. More than 100 missions have been launched from this soil,” he said.

The Minister said the state has unveiled its Space Policy 4.0 and is developing dedicated space cities to support research, satellite development, launch systems, and deep-tech innovation.

A key component of the initiative is the proposed Tirupati Space City, spread across 3,000 acres near Sriharikota, which is envisioned as a hub for launch vehicle assembly, satellite manufacturing, avionics production, and next-generation space technologies.

“We aspire to attract close to 4 billion dollars of investment into this ecosystem. Inviting Russian participation in the state’s growing space sector. Andhra Pradesh is the natural home for Roscosmos technology partners, propulsion systems, satellite integrators, and space-tech enterprises who want to be part of the world’s fastest-growing space economy,” said Lokesh

Beyond space technology, the Minister highlighted investment opportunities in aerospace, energy, semiconductors, microelectronics, quantum computing, advanced healthcare technologies, and commodities. He noted that Andhra Pradesh is already one of India’s largest exporters of rice and shrimp to Russia.

Lokesh also pointed to the state’s emerging advanced manufacturing corridor in Sri Sathya Sai District, strategically located near Bengaluru, as a promising destination for aerospace, avionics, drone manufacturing, naval systems, and semiconductor industries.

“As India expands domestic manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat, Andhra Pradesh is creating dedicated clusters for aerospace components, avionics, drones, naval systems, and semiconductors,” he added.

Highlighting the long-standing trust between India and Russia, the Minister called for deeper collaboration in future-oriented sectors. “The partnership that began with Aryabhata in 1975 is ready for the next orbit. I would request all of you to use Andhra Pradesh as your launch pad,” he said. Deccan Herald