A.P., Google to set up joint task force on AI, cloud, digital governance

Singapore: The Andhra Pradesh government and Google have agreed to establish a special joint task force to explore collaboration in Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, and digital governance.

The decision was taken during a meeting between Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Karan Bhatia, President, Google Asia-Pacific Region, on the first day of the Chief Minister's visit to Singapore on Monday.

Both sides explored opportunities to position Andhra Pradesh as a leading hub for AI, data centres, and digital infrastructure. Mr. Naidu invited Google to play a larger role in the state's digital governance initiatives and sought support from Google Cloud in using AI-driven technologies to enhance public service delivery.

Focus on RTG, AI skilling

The Chief Minister said the state aims to strengthen its Real-Time Governance ecosystem through advanced cloud technologies and AI-powered solutions. He expressed interest in expanding AI skilling and cloud certification programmes in partnership with Google Cloud. He informed Google that the state is establishing AI and Cloud Computing Centres across universities and engineering colleges and sought support to build a robust innovation ecosystem.

Highlighting technology-led healthcare initiatives, Naidu spoke about the Sanjeevani Project, which seeks to deliver accessible healthcare through digital technologies. He invited Google to partner in the project.

He also briefed Google on the state's progress in renewable energy and green infrastructure, noting that Andhra Pradesh is creating a sustainable energy ecosystem to support data centres and other energy-intensive industries.

Logistics and supply chain

As part of his engagements, Naidu met Sunil Nambiar, Head of Operations, YCH Logistics Group, to discuss logistics infrastructure, supply chain management, and industrial development.

The discussions focused on the possibility of establishing a world-class, technology-driven Supply Chain City in Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Minister cited the state's 1,053-km coastline, highway network, ports, airports, and rail connectivity as strategic advantages.

He said the state is implementing a strategy to reduce logistics costs and improve supply chain efficiency. He also highlighted investments of Rs. 1 lakh crore in horticulture and the state's top position in aquaculture production. He invited YCH Group to visit Andhra Pradesh to evaluate policies and infrastructure for long-term investment.

UN-Habitat Centre of Excellence

Naidu also met Anacl'udia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, and invited the organisation to establish a Centre of Excellence in Andhra Pradesh. He conveyed the government's willingness to allocate land for the facility and expressed interest in a comprehensive partnership.

According to officials, UN-Habitat responded positively. Discussions covered collaboration between universities, integration of Sustainable Development Goals into urban planning, professional knowledge-sharing networks, and sustainable urban development.

The Chief Minister sought UN-Habitat's support for the sustainable growth of the state's urban centres. The meeting also explored the implementation of the Participatory Slum Upgrading Programme, urban planning frameworks for mid-sized cities, and strengthening municipal finances through innovative mechanisms.

Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development P. Narayana and senior officials participated in the meetings.