NEW DELHI:
Google’S decision to select
Visakhapatnam for a $15 billion AI hub stirred political waters on Tuesday. The controversy gained a fresh twist with comments from Andhra Pradesh minister IT minister Nara Lokesh.
Lokesh shared a screenshot of a TV report on the investment with a three-word caption, “He chose Bharat”.
On Tuesday, AIADMK leader RB Udayakumar also criticised the DMK government over the missed opportunity. Speaking to the media, he said, "Despite Sundar Pichai being a Tamil, the DMK failed to invite Google to set up its AI infrastructure hub in Tamil Nadu."
He added, "The project went to Andhra Pradesh instead."
Udayakumar argued that the DMK government’s inaction deprived Tamil Nadu not only of a major technological investment but also potential employment and advancement in the tech sector.
Last week, Google Cloud Global CEO Thomas Kurien announced plans for the company’s largest AI and data centre hub in Visakhapatnam. In addition to the hub, Google plans to establish subsea cable infrastructure in the city, integrating it into the company’s global network. Officials say the project will position Visakhapatnam as a key digital backbone for India and enhance the country’s technological ecosystem.
At the MoU signing event, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said, "It is a very auspicious and happy day for me and all of us. First of all, I have to thank honourable prime minister, he has made it possible. Our finance minister (Nirmala Sitharaman), she has done very well and our IT minister (Ashwini Vaishnaw) - when I mooted the idea, he was very positive. Google has to come to India and also (state) IT minister (Nara Lokesh), he also worked with you.
"I am a great admirer of Google. Your creativity and speed are very important. I brought Microsoft to Hyderabad, today, Google has come to Visakhapatnam, we are very happy. According to me, we are in inspiring time," he added.
The AI investment, one of the largest in India’s technology sector, has reignited debates over state policies and investment facilitation, highlighting tensions between neighbouring southern states.
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