‘India no longer a sleeping economy’: Chandrababu Naidu courts investors on Singapore visit

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu began his Singapore visit on Monday (June 15, 2026) with a series of meetings to attract investments, strengthen technological collaboration and promote entrepreneurship in the State.

At his first engagement, Mr. Naidu met India’s High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule and discussed deepening economic and trade ties between Singapore and Andhra Pradesh. Mr. Ambule outlined Singapore’s economic and commercial relationship with India and expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Indian States.

Mr. Naidu urged Singaporean companies to explore investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh, citing the State’s strengths in food processing, electronics, semiconductors and quantum technologies. He said the State offered opportunities in shipbuilding and in setting up Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in civil aviation. Nearly two million acres had been brought under natural farming, he said, and the State’s farmers were producing horticultural products with export potential.

“We are working towards achieving complete traceability in the food sector. Andhra Pradesh is seeking collaboration in robotics, medical devices, hardware and electronics manufacturing. Our youth are well-positioned to meet the talent requirements of Singapore’s technology sector,” he said.

Mr. Naidu credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for creating an investor-friendly ecosystem through policy reforms and streamlined governance. Investments were the key to development, wealth creation and employment, he said, adding that India had emerged as one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations. He also sought greater academic collaboration between Singaporean universities and institutions in Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Ambule said Singapore was a global leader in green energy and semiconductor ecosystems, and assured support for facilitating investments and partnerships in Andhra Pradesh.

Round-table with startups

Later, Mr. Naidu took part in a round-table with startup founders and venture capitalists, attended by Mr. Ambule, Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana and venture capital investors.

India was no longer a sleeping economy but a rapidly transforming economic powerhouse driven by reforms and innovation, the Chief Minister said. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is progressing at an extraordinary pace. Countries like China took decades to achieve their current level of economic growth, but India is advancing much faster,” he said.

Mr. Naidu pointed to India’s growing capabilities in medical technology, advanced manufacturing, electronics exports and defence production, including the development of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, and described the country’s youth population as its greatest strength.

He outlined Andhra Pradesh’s industrial and entrepreneurial policies, including the ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ initiative, and said the State was using an innovative land-pooling model for industrial projects, similar to the approach adopted for Amaravati. The State had shown its commitment to investments by providing speedy approvals and land allotments to companies such as Google and ArcelorMittal, he said.

“This is the right time for investors to establish industrial projects in Andhra Pradesh. Industrial hubs such as Sri City continue to attract large-scale investments and provide world-class infrastructure,” he said.

Referring to the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, Mr. Naidu invited venture capital firms to partner with startups from the ecosystem and back them with funding and mentorship. He urged venture capitalists to support breakthrough innovations and help make Andhra Pradesh a leading startup and technology destination.