Lokesh pitches AP to Russian investors amid security scare

Vijayawada: IT minister Nara Lokesh stayed on course despite an unexpected security scare ahead of the summit in St. Petersburg, as Andhra Pradesh participated in the International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Andhra Pradesh’s participation in SPIEF emerged as a major success story, with the state attracting significant attention from Russian investors, largely due to Lokesh’s decision.According to a senior official, the AP delegation led by Lokesh came to know that Ukraine carried out drone attacks targeting strategic locations around the Russian city they were travelling from Moscow to board a flight to St. Petersburg on June 3. Embassy shared the official communication with the state delegation that several drones struck oil storage facilities and military-linked installations in and around St. Petersburg, triggering explosions and raising concerns among international participants scheduled to attend Russia’s flagship economic forum.The attacks were widely seen as an attempt to disrupt the summit and discourage foreign delegations and investors from participating. Security advisories were issued, and uncertainty prevailed among several international delegates. Despite the scary situation, Lokesh decided to proceed with the visit and honour the state’s commitments to investors and industry leaders. “Cancellation of scheduled meetings at the last minute will send the wrong signal and affect Andhra Pradesh’s credibility among global investors. We shall go ahead, come what may,” Lokesh said to the members of the delegation.Subsequently, the officials held consultations with the Indian diplomatic mission, which also concurred with Lokesh’s decision, and the delegation continued its journey. The risky decision paid off. “Andhra Pradesh emerged as one of the most visible Indian participants at SPIEF and was the only Indian state delegation represented at the prestigious forum. Over the past three days, Lokesh held extensive discussions with Russian industrial groups, technology firms, logistics operators and manufacturing companies, showcasing Andhra Pradesh’s strengths in ports, infrastructure, chemicals, energy, electronics and emerging technologies,” MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, who is also part of AP’s delegation, told TOI.Several companies expressed keen interest in exploring investment opportunities in the state, placing Andhra Pradesh firmly on the radar of Russian investors. A senior official said that said investor response exceeded expectations and reflected growing confidence in the state’s economic vision and business-friendly policies.Lokesh visited Sber City in Moscow, one of Russia’s most advanced innovation ecosystems, on Saturday. Lokesh inspected advanced AI-enabled banking technologies, including intelligent diagnostic and customer service systems integrated into next-generation ATMs. Sber representatives presented the institution’s cutting-edge work in research and development, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence services, digital healthcare, cybersecurity solutions and digital education platforms. Impressed by the scale of innovation, Lokesh said Sber City serves as a bridge to the technologies of the future and offers valuable insights for Andhra Pradesh’s own digital transformation journey.