Andhra Pradesh invites Russian firms to invest in space ecosystem
Amaravati, June 5
Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resource Development, IT and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, has invited Russian space and technology firms to invest in emerging space ecosystem in the state.
Lokesh, currently on a visit to Russia, is a participator in the Russia-India Business Dialogue at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026.
He 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 on Thursday 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 launched from this soil," he said.
According to an official statement, 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 of investment into this ecosystem," Minister Lokesh said.
Inviting Russian participation in the state's growing space sector, Minister Lokesh added: "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."
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."
Highlighting the long-standing trust between India and Russia, Minister Lokesh 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 extended an invitation to Russian industries, technology enterprises, energy firms, and advanced manufacturing companies to invest in Andhra Pradesh, not merely as investors but as long-term partners in building sustainable growth.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good move by Nara Lokesh. Russia-India space collaboration goes back to 1975 with Aryabhata. But we need to balance this with boosting our own domestic capabilities under ISRO. Russia is great for propulsion tech, but we also need Western partners for electronics and semiconductors. Don't put all eggs in one basket.
$4 billion investment target is ambitious! But I wonder how quickly this will materialize. Russian companies are facing sanctions, and their economy is under pressure. Still, space is one area where they excel. The Tirupati Space City near Sriharikota is a no-brainer location. Let's hope the execution matches the vision this time.
As someone from Andhra, I'm happy to see our state getting attention for space tech. But I'm a bit skeptical - we've seen many announcements in the past that didn't translate to ground reality. Hope the minister ensures proper land acquisition, clearances, and timely execution. Also, local youth should get priority in jobs!
Meanwhile, what about basic education and healthcare in Andhra? 😤 We have one of the highest out-of-school children rates. Space is great for prestige, but we need to fix fundamentals first. That said, if this brings high-skilled jobs, it could help retain talent in the state instead of everyone moving to Hyderabad or Bengaluru.
Very smart of Lokesh to highlight AP's rice and shrimp exports to Russia - shows we already have trade ties. The space collaboration makes sense given ISRO's long history with Russia. But I hope the investments come with
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.