Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has strongly advocated for establishing Andhra Pradesh as a key hub for defense production, while also lauding the recent Operation Sindoor. During a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Friday, Naidu presented a comprehensive plan to bolster the state's defense manufacturing and aerospace innovation capabilities.
Naidu expressed his support for Operation Sindoor, deeming it an "inevitable" measure to safeguard the nation. He firmly stated that such operations should not be criticized, as doing so would be tantamount to supporting terrorism. His comments came in response to criticism of the operation from opposition leaders. Naidu called for unity across party lines on matters concerning national security. He emphasized the necessity of retaliatory measures to instill confidence in citizens following the terror attack in Pahalgam that prompted the operation. He questioned the rationale behind significant defense spending if the nation couldn't defend itself against external threats.
The Chief Minister met with Rajnath Singh to discuss proposals for Andhra Pradesh, congratulating him on the success of Operation Sindoor. During their discussion, Naidu outlined a strategic vision for positioning Andhra Pradesh as a national hub for defense manufacturing and aerospace innovation. This vision includes developing integrated defense facilities, reviving critical manufacturing units, supporting indigenous aviation programs, establishing testing and training centers, and creating specialized defense hubs.
Naidu emphasized Andhra Pradesh's readiness to play a pivotal role in the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission, citing the state's robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and proactive policies. Specific proposals include developing a missile and ammunition production center in the Jaggayyapeta–Dolakonda cluster, where 6,000 acres of land are available. Additionally, he proposed a center for military and civil aircraft and electronics manufacturing in the Lepakshi–Madakasira cluster, as well as naval experimentation centers in the Visakhapatnam–Anakapalli cluster. A manufacturing facility for military drones, robotics, and advanced defense components has been suggested for the Kurnool–Orvakal cluster. Naidu also requested a DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) Centre of Excellence at IIT, Tirupati.
The Defence Minister responded positively to these proposals and briefed Naidu on the strategic plan needed for the State to become a hub for defence manufacturing and aerospace innovation. The state government has requested cooperation from the Centre to study the favorable ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh for the development of integrated defense units, revival of key manufacturing units, domestic aviation programs, testing, and training centers.
In addition to his discussions on defense, Naidu also addressed Andhra Pradesh's ambition to become a green energy hub. He met with Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, seeking support for renewable energy expansion in the state and requesting the allocation of rooftop solar capacity under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Naidu aims to install 20 lakh rooftop solar units by 2025, offering free systems to SC/ST households and subsidies for backward caste families.
Naidu also met with Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, presenting a proposal for the Polavaram-Banakacherla water transfer project, which aims to divert surplus Godavari floodwaters to drought-prone areas. He called the project crucial to national missions like Jal Jeevan and Make in India.
