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State IT Minister Nara Lokesh met Google CEO Sundar Pichai in the U.S. to review progress on Google’s proposed USD 15 billion data centre project in Visakhapatnam. Google reaffirmed that this is its largest investment outside the U.S., aimed at building a large AI and cloud infrastructure hub. Lokesh also requested the company to examine the idea of setting up a drone-assembly and testing unit in the upcoming Drone City. The project includes a gigawatt-scale data campus, clean-energy support and a subsea cable landing station to strengthen digital connectivity in the region.
State IT Minister Nara Lokesh met Google CEO Sundar Pichai during his recent U.S. visit to check the progress of Google’s upcoming data centre project planned for Visakhapatnam. Lokesh expressed appreciation for Google’s commitment of USD 15 billion for the facility, which Pichai described as the company’s largest investment outside the U.S. This investment is aimed at building a major AI and cloud-focused infrastructure hub on India’s east coast. Advertisement
During the meeting, Lokesh explained that Andhra Pradesh is setting up a dedicated Drone City and asked Google to consider exploring a drone-assembly and testing unit as part of its future plans. Pichai said the suggestion would be reviewed internally before the next round of discussions.
Google’s plan for the Vizag data centre includes a gigawatt-scale campus, long-term renewable energy support and a subsea cable landing gateway to improve international digital connectivity. The project is expected to support cloud services, AI-led applications and large-scale data operations. Google had earlier outlined that the Vizag hub will play an important role in its broader India strategy, which includes expanding digital infrastructure and meeting the growing demand for AI and cloud services.
For Andhra Pradesh, this investment forms a significant part of its development approach. The state is focusing on attracting strong, long-term investments instead of depending on special-category status. Officials believe that a project of this scale can bring visibility to Visakhapatnam and encourage more global companies to explore the region for technology and digital infrastructure projects.
Lokesh also met leaders from other technology and manufacturing companies during his U.S. visit. These meetings were aimed at building partnerships, promoting investment opportunities and highlighting the state’s focus on strengthening digital and industrial capabilities.
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