andhra-invites-russian-firms-to-invest-in-space-sector

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resource Development, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, on Thursday, June 4, invited Russian space and technology firms to invest in the state's emerging space ecosystem. Lokesh, who is currently on an official visit to Russia, spoke during the Russia-India Business Dialogue at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026. He showcased the state's ambitious plans within the space, aerospace, semiconductor, and advanced manufacturing sectors, urging Russian companies to become long-term partners.

Pointing out the significance of Andhra Pradesh in the Indian Space Network, Lokesh emphasised that the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in the state is the sole spaceport in India and has been the launchpad for over 100 space missions. Speaking about his pride, he said that the facility based at Sriharikota is situated in his state, which has helped make over a hundred space missions successful. As per the official statement by the minister, it is pertinent to mention that the state has announced its Space Policy 4.0 and is planning to build space cities.

 

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At SPIEF 2026, I had an excellent meeting with Transmashholding (TMH), one of the world's largest rail mobility and rolling stock manufacturers. TMH is already partnering with India through Kinet Railway Solutions, the Indo-Russian JV selected… pic.twitter.com/UGgiLWEss8

— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) June 5, 2026

 

A key component of this initiative is the proposed Tirupati Space City, which will be spread across 3,000 acres near Sriharikota. The site is envisioned as a major hub for launch vehicle assembly, satellite manufacturing, avionics production, and next-generation space technologies. Lokesh revealed that the state aspires to attract close to $4 billion of investment into this specific ecosystem.

Beyond space technology, the minister highlighted diverse investment opportunities in aerospace, energy, semiconductors, microelectronics, quantum computing, advanced healthcare technologies, and commodities. He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh is already one of India's largest exporters of rice and shrimp to Russia. The emerging advanced manufacturing corridor in the Sri Sathya Sai district was also highlighted by Lokesh. It is located strategically near Bangalore and can prove to be an excellent place for aerospace, avionics, drones, naval, and semiconductor industries.

 

Also read: Lokesh to visit Russia for investment outreach