Andhra Pradesh Minister for HRD, IT and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, is wrapping up a six-day visit to Australia aimed at building long-term partnerships across trade, education and urban innovation. The trip, part of the Australian Government’s Special Visits Programme, has seen Lokesh engage with industry leaders, universities and business councils to attract investment and knowledge collaboration to the state.
During his meetings with Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) CEO Veronica Papacosta and Engagement Manager Jasmin Kelleher, Lokesh discussed plans to deepen cooperation in sustainable aquaculture and seafood trade. Andhra Pradesh accounts for over 60 per cent of India’s seafood exports, valued at USD 7.4 billion in 2024-25. “I was impressed that they’ve created a brand ‘Great Australian Seafood’ to promote Aussie seafood and make it a premium offering. They have also moved up the value chain. We have a lot to learn and we will stay in touch and offer the requisite support to AP’s seafood industry,” he said.
The discussion focused on how Andhra Pradesh could enhance its global footprint through value-added exports, sustainability frameworks and brand-building for its aquaculture sector, which employs millions across coastal districts.
The Minister’s itinerary also included a visit to Western Sydney University (WSU), where he met senior executives and researchers in agricultural technology. Lokesh proposed joint initiatives with Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University to advance precision farming and climate-resilient crops. “I wanted to share WSU’s expertise in climate-resistant crops and precision farming with Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University for modernisation of agriculture in Andhra Pradesh. I have requested to cooperate in setting up innovation hubs that develop smart irrigation systems and AI-based farming solutions,” he said.
The discussions centred on bringing Australian research in sustainable farming to India’s agri-tech ecosystem. Andhra Pradesh has been pushing for digital solutions in irrigation, farm-to-market logistics and climate adaptation, and Lokesh’s proposals reflect the state’s aim to link academia with industry-driven innovation.
At Griffith University in Queensland, Lokesh explored collaboration in sports education and public policy. “Sports inculcate discipline, hard work, competitive spirit and leadership. I truly believe that India should build a sporting culture on par with the other great countries of the world,” he said. “I was truly impressed to know that the students of this university alone won 10 gold medals in the last Olympics. I discussed opportunities to develop partnerships in public policy, sustainability and innovation. I invited Griffith to set up a sports centre of excellence in India.”
The proposal forms part of Andhra Pradesh’s wider vision to use sports infrastructure and academic partnerships to inspire youth participation and promote wellness. Lokesh’s outreach mirrors a growing trend in Indian states using global alliances to enhance local training and performance ecosystems.
While in Brisbane, Lokesh attended a business roundtable hosted by the Consulate General of India and the Australia-India Business Council, where he presented Andhra Pradesh’s investment opportunities. He highlighted the state’s pro-business reforms, skilled workforce and strong export base. “I empathised that true partnership is when both sides win. We will work with AP businesses to craft such win-win partnerships built on trust and mutual respect,” he said.
Lokesh invited Australian investors to participate in the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit scheduled in Visakhapatnam on 14 and 15 November. The summit is expected to showcase new industrial corridors, infrastructure projects and public-private investment opportunities.
A key theme of the visit was urban development. In Parramatta, Lokesh met Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter, who has overseen the transformation of the city into one of Australia’s leading business and innovation hubs. Lokesh noted that Zaiter’s work on public transport and green spaces, particularly the development of Parramatta Square, offers valuable lessons for Andhra Pradesh’s own urban projects. “Jaiter has played a significant role in growing local businesses, attracting investment and transforming it into a global city. On this occasion, I have requested to cooperate with the development of major cities in Andhra Pradesh which is a startup state,” he said.
The meeting also touched on community spaces such as Harris Park’s “Little India,” which Lokesh described as a cultural bridge that reflects the depth of India–Australia ties. City-to-city collaboration, he suggested, could help Andhra Pradesh build smarter, people-centric urban hubs.
Lokesh’s talks with global architecture firm Populous, which has designed over 3,500 venues worth more than USD 60 billion—including the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, London’s Olympic Stadium, and SoFi Stadium in California—focused on stadium and urban-event planning in Andhra Pradesh. “Sports venues are no longer just for games. They’re becoming cultural magnets and year-round event hubs that power local economies and tourism,” Lokesh said.
The discussions included the possibility of integrated master planning for multi-use districts combining arenas, convention centres and public spaces. The goal, he said, is to “attract events, create jobs, and catalyse vibrant neighbourhoods across AP.”
Lokesh also highlighted the government’s plans for the Greater Visakha Economic Corridor, calling Visakhapatnam “the beauty of Andhra Pradesh” and positioning it as the state’s economic growth engine. “If Bangalore and Goa are together, our beauty is Visakhapatnam. Creating the best ecosystem through Greater Visaka Economic Corridor,” he wrote.
Throughout the tour, Lokesh took time for community engagement, meeting members of the Telugu diaspora and thanking them for their continued role in promoting Andhra Pradesh abroad. The diaspora event at the Sydney Cricket Grounds drew professionals, entrepreneurs and students, with discussions ranging from business partnerships to education and youth opportunities.
As the Minister’s tour concludes on 24 October, he will head back to Andhra Pradesh to lead preparations for the Visakhapatnam Partnership Summit next month—a key event expected to bring many of these discussions to the next stage of implementation.
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