Lokesh in Russia to seek AI, quantum computing tie-ups for Andhra
Synopsis
Andhra Pradesh is courting Russia for AI and quantum computing tie-ups, with Minister Nara Lokesh opening his Moscow trip at Sberbank's headquarters. The pitch: tap Russia's sovereign AI stack, including GigaChat, to fast-track Andhra's ambition of becoming India's next big AI and tech hub.
Key Takeaways
Nara Lokesh began his Russia visit on Wednesday to explore AI and quantum computing partnerships.
He met Albert Yefimov , Senior Vice President of Sberbank , one of Russia's top tech-financial institutions.
Talks covered generative AI, GigaChat LLM, cybersecurity, fintech, quantum computing and skilling.
Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a leading AI and technology hub under the Chandrababu Naidu government.
Both sides also discussed AI in healthcare and ways to deepen India–Russia trade and business linkages.
Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh on Wednesday began a visit to Russia aimed at building partnerships in Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing and digital innovation, as the southern state pushes to position itself as a global technology hub. The trip opened with talks in Moscow with Albert Yefimov, Senior Vice President of Sberbank, one of Russia's largest financial and technology institutions.
Key Discussions with Sberbank
According to an official release, the talks covered Russia's progress in sovereign AI, digital platforms, advanced computing and technology-led innovation. Specific themes included generative AI, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech, quantum computing, workforce skilling and the use of technology in public services.
Sberbank representatives walked the minister through the bank's technology stack, including its GigaChat large language model, AI research programmes and digital solutions deployed across banking and citizen-facing services.
Andhra's AI and Tech Hub Ambition
Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh wants to emerge as a leading AI and technology destination, and is keen to import global best practices to accelerate its digital transformation. The state has been positioning IT and electronics as central planks of its economic strategy under the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led government.
The conversation also turned to AI in healthcare — covering early disease detection, diagnostics, medical research, hospital operations and citizen-facing health services. Both sides exchanged views on scaling AI-driven solutions to widen healthcare access.
Quantum Computing and Research Links
Discussions extended to quantum computing and advanced research ecosystems, with Lokesh flagging interest in future engagement between research institutions, technology firms and innovation ecosystems working on quantum technologies.
On skilling, the two sides compared global approaches to coding education, AI training and industry-oriented programmes aimed at preparing young professionals for the digital economy.
India–Russia Trade Angle
The meeting also touched on broader economic engagement between India and Russia, including facilitating business linkages, supporting exporters and using technology to streamline cross-border trade. Yefimov shared insights into Sberbank's India operations and its existing engagement with Indian businesses and institutions.
Both sides agreed to stay in touch and explore areas of mutual interest as opportunities emerge. Lokesh is expected to meet other global technology leaders, research institutions and industry stakeholders during the rest of his Russia visit.
Point of View
Or joins a long list of headline visits, will depend on follow-through after Lokesh returns.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh visiting Russia?
Lokesh is in Russia to explore collaboration in Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing and digital innovation as part of Andhra Pradesh's push to become a leading global technology hub. The visit kicked off on Wednesday with a meeting at Sberbank in Moscow.
Who did Lokesh meet at Sberbank?
He met Albert Yefimov, Senior Vice President of Sberbank, one of Russia's largest financial and technology institutions. The two discussed Russia's sovereign AI ecosystem, the GigaChat large language model, fintech, cybersecurity and quantum computing.
What sectors were covered in the discussions?
The talks spanned generative AI, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech, quantum computing, workforce skilling and AI applications in healthcare, including diagnostics and hospital operations. Education and coding skilling models were also discussed.
How does this fit Andhra Pradesh's broader tech strategy?
Andhra Pradesh, under the Chandrababu Naidu-led government, is positioning IT, electronics and AI as central pillars of its economic strategy. Lokesh said the state wants to adopt global best practices to accelerate its digital transformation agenda.
What happens next in the Russia visit?
Lokesh is expected to engage with other global technology leaders, research institutions and industry stakeholders across emerging sectors during the remainder of his Russia trip. Both sides have agreed to stay in touch on areas of mutual interest.
