On Andhra Pradesh's invitation to the aerospace sector after the Karnataka government cancelled land acquisition for a planned aerospace park, minister MB Patil on Wednesday asserted that the southern state does not only provide land but provides India's top aerospace and defence ecosystem. No industry will leave Karnataka, the government declared.
He was responding to Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh who has invited the aerospace industry to invest in his state following the cancellation of the purchase of 1,777 acres in Devanahalli by the Karnataka government after protests by farmers.
Lokesh in a post on 'X' had tagged a news report on the issue and written, "Dear Aerospace industry, sorry to hear about this. I have a better idea for you. Why don't you look at Andhra Pradesh instead? We have an attractive aerospace policy for you, with best-in-class incentives and over 8,000 acres of ready-to-use land (just outside Bengaluru)! Hope to see you soon to talk across the table."
Patil in a social media post replied, saying, "Dear Nara Lokesh, Karnataka doesn't just provide land— it provides India's No.1 aerospace & defence ecosystem. We've developed the country's strongest aerospace base over the decades, accounting for 65 per cent of India's aerospace output and ranking No.1 nationally, 3rd globally." Pointing out that it was not about land alone— it was about talent, innovation, and a tried-and-tested ecosystem, he said, "We know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Nothing is falling off. Karnataka will be among the first states to become a USD 1 trillion economy. And it's not aerospace alone; many new industries continue to pick Karnataka, and existing ones keep expanding here. We'll always make available the land and ecosystem needed to support both growth and new investments. Best wishes to your state (Andhra Pradesh) too."
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Karnataka government on Tuesday withdrew proposals to take over 1,777 acres of land in Devanahalli taluk in the outskirts of Bangalore after a protest by farmers lasting 1,198 days, alleging that it is "fertile land".
Making the announcement, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had however explained that those who were in support of acquisition, could surrender the lands to the government, and would receive compensation.
On the other hand, addressing journalists here, Patil stated Karnataka accounts for 65 per cent of India's aerospace and defence industry. "In all I have to tell Mr Nara Lokesh, no one will go out of Karnataka after your invitation. Land, not just land, we will give them (industries) all facilities including water. Not even a single industry will be repatriated without giving them land wherever they demand in the state. I'm speaking very sternly," he added.
Declaring that there is going to be no reverse to the aerospace and defence industry of the state after the government decided to cancel land acquisition, Patil while responding to a query stated, "Nara Lokesh has invited industries to come (to Andhra Pradesh) telling that they have land and incentives are available. Industries will not go on the basis of land alone, ecosystem is also needed." Safran, Boeing, Airbus, Collins, and Lockheed Martin--everybody is here in Karnataka, he stated.
"He (Lokesh) is talking about land. Not aerospace and defence alone, whichever sector it is, whether IT or deep tech or AI, for all I am willing to provide them with the quantum of land they need, at the location they desire, around Bengaluru itself." Referring to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) chairman having met him recently, Patil averred that he has assured the company of complete cooperation and land needed by them.
To a query on neighbouring states' attempts time and again to lure industries that are located in Karnataka, he replied, of course, there is competition and it cannot be called wrong.
"But, we will not let any industry go out of the state. If we provide them necessary land and infrastructure, why will they go? Not just land, the environment is equally necessary. Don't worry. I am speaking confidently and clearly. I have done sufficient homework in the past two years. Our government is working with dedication," he said.
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