Minister Nara Lokesh Proposes Juvvaladinne as a Maritime Robotics Export Hub

The Andhra Pradesh government is exploring plans to establish the state as a major international hub for maritime technology and defence innovation. As part of this initiative, Minister Nara Lokesh proposed developing Juvvaladinne in Nellore district as a maritime robotics export centre serving the Indo-Pacific region. He held a meeting with Sagar Defence founder Captain Nikunj Parashar on the second day of the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam. Discussions focused on opportunities in maritime defence technologies, unmanned vessels, robotics manufacturing and skill development.

Lokesh proposed setting up a Centre for Maritime Autonomy and Robotics Skilling at Juvvaladinne in collaboration with IIT Tirupati and Andhra University. He also suggested developing facilities for sea trials, maintenance, repair and overhaul of unmanned vessels, along with pilot projects for harbour security and hydrographic surveys. The minister invited companies involved in drones, batteries, sensors and electronics manufacturing to establish operations in Andhra Pradesh. He also stressed creating employment opportunities for local fishing communities and developing a smart fishing fleet network. Captain Nikunj Parashar said his organisation would examine the proposals and decide on the next course of action.