Andhra Pradesh aims to lead India's development in next decade

Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh stated at the Pan-IIT Andhra Pradesh Summit 2026 in Vijayawada that India has the potential to achieve developed nation status within a decade. Lokesh described the upcoming ten years as a ‘golden decade’ and expressed the state's ambition to lead India's transformation by becoming a national model for innovation and progress.

The state's development strategy is centered on a ‘3S mantra’ of Speed, Service, and Stability. Lokesh emphasized that the government aims to move away from a ‘Jugaad’ approach toward institutionalized speed, focusing on grounding projects to generate tangible employment rather than just signing agreements. He highlighted key sectors for growth, including horticulture, drones, quantum technology, and data centers.

Lokesh also discussed the development of Amaravati into a world-class capital city and noted the importance of competitive federalism. He mentioned that successful initiatives in Andhra Pradesh could serve as a template for other Indian states. Additionally, he referenced a horticulture mission involving the government and private sector expected to attract nearly $10 billion in investment.