Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh is actively promoting Andhra Pradesh as a prime investment destination to leading global institutions at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos. Lokesh held meetings with Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman and CEO of Blackstone, and Connor Teskey, President of Brookfield Asset Management, highlighting opportunities for large-scale investments in the state.
Andhra Pradesh is presenting itself as a hub for investments in energy, digital infrastructure, logistics, manufacturing, green energy, and technology. The state government has implemented 25 sector-specific policies emphasizing clean energy, green ammonia production, and advanced manufacturing.
Key Investment Areas Pitched
Lokesh showcased specific investment opportunities to Blackstone, including Grade-A commercial office spaces, integrated mixed-use urban developments, port-linked industrial and logistics parks, renewable energy projects, and hyperscale data centers across Visakhapatnam, Amaravati, Rayalaseema, and the CBIC–VCIC industrial corridors. These proposals align with Andhra Pradesh's strategy to develop globally competitive cities and sustainable industrial ecosystems.
Discussions with Brookfield Asset Management focused on advancing the existing Andhra Pradesh–Brookfield partnership and accelerating the $12 billion memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam. This MoU represents a significant commitment to clean infrastructure development in the region. Brookfield's interest spans infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and clean energy.
Blackstone's Perspective on India
Blackstone, managing approximately $1 trillion in assets, views India as an emerged market with immense growth potential, citing its large population and stable government. Stephen A. Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone, stated that India is their number one performing market globally, with gross returns around 40% per year. Blackstone's investments in India have reached approximately $50 billion as of 2025, encompassing private equity, real estate, technology, data centers, and healthcare. The firm aims to expand its India portfolio to $100 billion, focusing on credit and infrastructure investments.
Brookfield's Existing Presence in India
Brookfield has a substantial presence in India through Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, which is the country's only 100% institutionally managed office REIT. Their portfolio includes eleven Grade-A assets across strategic locations in India, valued at ₹396 billion as of September 30, 2025. Brookfield is also committed to sustainability, with a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.
Andhra Pradesh's Broader Investment Strategy at WEF 2026
Nara Lokesh's efforts are part of a broader Andhra Pradesh initiative to attract global investors at WEF 2026. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has also been actively promoting the state, highlighting opportunities in green energy, technology, digital infrastructure, and logistics. The state is emphasizing its industry-friendly policies and strategic advantages, including a coastline of over 1,000 kilometers.
The Chief Minister has proposed establishing an Israeli industrial park in Andhra Pradesh to attract med-tech, aero-defence, and clean-tech companies. There have also been discussions with the UAE to establish a food processing cluster in the state. RMZ and the Andhra Pradesh government announced a partnership at WEF 2026 to facilitate approximately $10 billion in investments in mixed-use, digital, and industrial infrastructure across the state.
