The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday announced the formation of a joint task force in collaboration with software giant Google to accelerate the establishment of artificial intelligence and cloud computing networks, along with digital governance projects in the state, an official statement said.
The decision was taken during a meeting between Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Google Asia Pacific President Karan Bhatia in Singapore on the first day of Naidu’s two-day visit to the country.
“Discussions focused on positioning Andhra Pradesh as India’s leading hub for artificial intelligence, data centers and digital infrastructure,” the statement said.
Inviting Google to play a bigger role in the state’s digital transformation initiatives, Naidu sought support from Google Cloud in leveraging AI-driven technologies to enhance public service delivery and expand the real-time governance ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh.
“He also proposed cooperation on AI skills and cloud certification programs and informed the company that the country is setting up AI and cloud computing centers in universities and engineering colleges,” the statement said.
The Prime Minister invited Google to participate in Project Sanjivani, a technology-enabled healthcare initiative aimed at providing efficient and accessible healthcare services.
He also highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s rapid progress in renewable energy and green infrastructure development, which will provide sustainable energy for data centers and other energy-intensive industries.
As part of a series of high-level meetings in Singapore, Naidu later met Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and discussed cooperation in the areas of technology, urban development, semiconductors, quantum technologies, education, trade and sustainable development.
The Prime Minister called on Singapore to explore imports of horticultural and aquaculture products from Andhra Pradesh, especially those grown through natural farming practices. The Prime Minister informed that the country is working to develop certification and traceability systems for agricultural products and requested Singapore’s support in importing certified products.
Naidu also sought collaboration in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and university-led research and innovation.
He sought support for developing semiconductor manufacturing ecosystems and capacity building initiatives in Andhra Pradesh while proposing deeper cooperation in urban management, port-led development, airport infrastructure and logistics.
Prime Minister Wong expressed interest in the development of Amaravati and requested details on infrastructure projects, educational institutions and urban development initiatives in the capital.
Responding to queries, Naidu said Amaravati is being developed into one of the most liveable and future-ready urban centers in the region.
The two leaders also exchanged views on global demographic trends, affordable housing, childcare support systems, and the future growth of manufacturing and supply chain industries.
Later, Naidu held discussions with Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on strengthening strategic partnerships between Andhra Pradesh and Singapore.
The meeting focused on improving air connectivity between Singapore and Andhra Pradesh and expanding cooperation in the manufacturing, services, trade and infrastructure sectors.
In another meeting, Naidu met with Sunil Nambiar, Head of YCH Logistics Group Operations, to discuss opportunities in logistics infrastructure, supply chain management and industrial development. Discussions centered around the possibility of creating a world-class, technology-driven supply chain city in Andhra Pradesh.
The Prime Minister also met with Annaclaudia Rosbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, and called on the organization to establish a center of excellence in Andhra Pradesh.
He expressed the state’s readiness to allocate land for the proposed facility and expressed interest in developing a broader partnership with the United Nations agency in urban development and sustainability initiatives.
Minister of State for Municipal Administration P Narayana, Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ampol and senior officials accompanied the Prime Minister during the meetings, the statement said.
