In this screengrab from a video posted on Oct. 16, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of various development works, in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
Credit: @NarendraModi via PTI Photo
Hyderabad: Stating that Andhra Pradesh has been emerging as a key contributor to the success of Atma Nirbhar Bharat prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remarked that previous governments neglected Andhra Pradesh’s capabilities, causing a setback to the entire nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited Andhra Pradesh and inaugurated multiple development projects worth around Rs 13,430 crore in Kurnool. He addressed a public meeting in Kurnool.
“A state that could have propelled national progress was left to struggle for its own development,” he said and expressed satisfaction that under their government, Andhra Pradesh’s trajectory is changing, with rapid growth in manufacturing.
He announced the launch of an Advanced Night Vision factory in Nimmaluru, marking another step towards self-reliance in the defence sector. He added that this facility will enhance India’s capability to produce night vision equipment, missile sensors, and drone guard systems, and will elevate the country’s defence exports to new heights. He further remarked that the entire world had witnessed the success of Indigenous weapon systems during Operation Sindoor.
Reciting a verse from the Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Stotram “Saurashtre Somnatham cha Srisaila Mallikarjunam”, Modi highlighted that among the twelve Jyotirlingas, the names of Lord Somnath and Lord Mallikarjuna appear together at the beginning. “It is my fortune to have been born on the sacred land of Somnath in Gujarat, to have had the opportunity to serve the land of Baba Vishwanath in Kashi, and now to receive the blessings of Srisailam”, said Modi. Following his visit to Srisailam, the Prime Minister paid tribute at the Shivaji Spurti Kendra and extended his respects to Chhatrapati Maharaj from the dais.
“Andhra Pradesh is a land of pride and rich culture, as well as a hub of science and innovation”, affirmed the Prime Minister, emphasising the state's limitless potential and the boundless capabilities of its youth. He remarked that what Andhra Pradesh needed was the right vision and leadership. Today, with leaders like Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh possesses visionary leadership along with full support from the Central Government, said the Prime Minister.
Highlighting that over the past sixteen months, Andhra Pradesh has witnessed rapid development, with unprecedented progress under their Governments at the Union and state, Modi noted that Delhi and Amaravati are working together towards accelerated growth. Modi reaffirmed that by 2047, India will surely be a developed nation and the 21st century belongs to India and its 140 crore citizens.
Stressing that the nation is committed to the goal of a developed India by 2047, and this resolve is being energized by the vision of Swarna Andhra, the Prime Minister remarked that Andhra Pradesh and its youth have always been at the forefront of technology, and under their governments at the Union and the state, this potential is being further harnessed and expanded.
“Today, the world is witnessing the speed and scale of progress in India and Andhra Pradesh”, said Modi, highlighting that just two days ago, Google announced a major investment in Andhra Pradesh. He informed that Google is set to establish India’s first Artificial Intelligence Hub in the state. This new AI Hub will feature powerful AI infrastructure, data center capacity, large-scale energy sources, and an expanded fiber-optic network, noted the Prime Minister.
Announcing that Google’s AI Hub investment will include the development of a new International Subsea Gateway, the Prime Minister remarked that this gateway will comprise multiple international subsea cables reaching India’s eastern coast at Visakhapatnam. He stated that this project will establish Visakhapatnam as a major hub for AI and global connectivity, serving not just India but the entire world.
Affirming that the development of Andhra Pradesh is essential for India’s progress, and the growth of Rayalaseema is vital for Andhra’s advancement, Modi stated that the projects launched on Thursday on the soil of Kurnool will open new doors of employment and prosperity across every district of Rayalaseema, accelerating industrial development in the region.
Earlier in the day, Modi offered prayers and performed pooja and darshan at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam, Nandyal district. The temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and among the 52 Shakti Peeths, holds deep spiritual significance.