AP emerging as leading destination for investments, says Vice-President

Visakhapatnam: Vice-President of C. P. Radhakrishnan said Andhra Pradesh has become a leading destination for investments, accounting for over 25 percent of the country's proposed investments in 2025'26.

Speaking at the Centenary Celebrations of Andhra University in Visakhapatnam on Monday the Vice- President highlighted the State's investor-friendly policies, including time-bound clearances, transparent governance, and a robust single-window system providing seamless access to land, power, connectivity, and skilled workforce.

He said it was a privilege to be part of the historic occasion marking a century of excellence of Andhra University, an institution that has not only witnessed history but has also helped shape it. He noted that over the past hundred years, the University has served as a melting pot of ideas, nurturing generations of students who have contributed significantly to nation-building.

Recalling the legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former Vice-Chancellor of the University and one of India's most distinguished philosophers and statesmen, the Vice-President highlighted his vision of education as a means to cultivate both intellect and character. He said that this vision continues to resonate strongly even today.

The Vice-President also highlighted the association of eminent personalities with Visakhapatnam, including Nobel Laureate C. V. Raman, who pursued his early education in the city, and former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, a distinguished alumnus of the University.

Referring to his earlier visit to Visakhapatnam for the 30th CII Partnership Summit, the Vice-President expressed satisfaction at the rapid progress made by Andhra Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He noted that the State has accelerated its development journey, attracting significant investments and strengthening its position as a hub of innovation and growth. He also acknowledged the role of IT Minister Nara Lokesh in promoting the State's technology ecosystem.

Highlighting the increasing global confidence in Andhra Pradesh, the Vice-President referred to the interest and investments by leading technology companies such as Google. He noted that Visakhapatnam is emerging as a key growth hub, particularly in sectors such as data centres, IT, tourism, electronics, and digital infrastructure, with major projects including hyperscale data centres and IT investments.

The Vice-President congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh on Amaravati being declared the permanent capital of the State following the passage of the relevant Bill in Parliament. He noted that he had the privilege of presiding over the Rajya Sabha during the passage of the Bill and witnessed the joy and pride of the people. He described the decision as a reflection of the collective aspirations of the people and one that will provide clarity, stability, and direction for the State's administrative future.

Referring to the vision of a developed India, the Vice-President recalled the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that 'Viksit Bharat can only be realized through Viksit States.'

He said Andhra Pradesh has emerged as one of the fastest-growing States, driven by visionary leadership, strong governance, and effective execution.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said universities should evolve as centres of innovation. Terming universities as national assets, he stressed the need to preserve and strengthen them.

The Chief Minister inaugurated AU Factory and Network Centre built at a cost of Rs 64 crore. He also laid foundation stones for nine development projects worth Rs 112 crore, including boys' and girls' hostels, a convocation hall and other infrastructure works.

He said times have changed and ordinary people now have opportunities to become extraordinary forces. He said youth must focus on knowledge, innovation and startups. Youth should not stop at seeking jobs'youth must gain the capacity to create jobs for ten others and the government is ready to support, the Chief Minister added.

The Chief Minister said that foundation stone for the Google Data Centre in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday would be another landmark moment.
A $15 billion investment by Google reflects the greatness of Visakhapatnam. Even before Google, Andhra University connected Visakhapatnam with the world. Students from 58 countries study here, which is a matter of pride for the State and the nation. Visakhapatnam is a global city'unstoppable and full of potential, he said.

The Chief Minister said Andhra University has emerged as a prestigious brand over the last century and is the leader among the State's 53 universities.He paid tributes to university's first Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Cattamanchi Ramalinga Reddy, for laying a strong foundation.He highlighted that the university's second Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who later became President of India.
Calling Andhra University a cradle of leadership, Chandrababu Naidu said many distinguished leaders, industrialists and academicians had emerged from the institution.He noted that former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu is an alumni of Andhra University.

The Chief Minister said that Andhra University to be among the top five universities in India and among the top 100 universities globally. For that level of growth, resources are essential and therefore sanctioning Rs 500 crore to Andhra University as a corpus fund, he announced.

The Vice-President conferred Distinguished Alumni Awards on M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice-President of India; K. Hari Babu, Governor of Odisha; Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao, Founder & Chairman of GMR Group; K. Padmanabhaiah, former Union Home Secretary, Government of India; B. V. R. Mohan Reddy, Founder & Executive Chairman of Cyient; Satyanarayana Chava, Founder & CEO of Laurus Labs; V. S. Raju, former Director, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi; M. R. Madhav, former Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur; Vijay Joshi, CEO of Press Trust of India; and Trivikram Srinivas, filmmaker.

The Vice President also released a commemorative coin, a commemorative stamp, and a coffee table book on the occasion. Three MoUs were also exchanged between Andhra University and the University of Florida, USA; Oxmiq Labs Inc., USA; and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in the presence of the Vice President. He later visited a photo exhibition showcasing the history of Andhra University and its evolution.

Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Union Ministers Srinivasa Varma and Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, Education Minister Nara Lokesh, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, film director Trivikram Srinivas, ministers, alumni and others attended the programme.