Singapore City (Singapore) [India], July 27 : Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh on Sunday criticised the YSR Congress Party, claiming that the state was left in a state of devastation over the past five years and asserted that the new government is working diligently to rebuild and restore it.
Addressing the Telugu diaspora meeting organised by Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu (APNRT) Society, Lokesh said, "You all know how much Andhra Pradesh has been devastated during the five years of YSRCP rule. Now, the coalition government is striving hard for its reconstruction."
"The trust placed in Chandrababu Naidu by the global community is our real investment. Let's promote the opportunities available in our state and attract investments. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a significant role in India's economy. In FY 2024-25, India received USD 81.04 billion in FDI, of which USD 14.94 billion came from Singapore--about 19 per cent of the total. If a major share of that investment flows to Andhra Pradesh, our state can become the next Singapore," the Minister.
Pointing out the large presence of Telugu people around the world, he said, "The energy among Telugu people in Singapore is incredible. From the airport to this event, I only saw Telugu faces. I wondered whether I was in Singapore or Simhachalam! People call you NRIs--Non-Resident Indians--but to me, you are MRIs: Most Reliable Indians. Wherever I go in the world, I see Telugu dominance."
Earlier in the day, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday emphasised that progressive policies are currently being implemented in the state to facilitate investments from Singapore-based enterprises.
As part of his official visit to Singapore, CM Chandrababu Naidu met Shilpak Ambule, the Indian High Commissioner to Singapore.
Ambule shared insights into Singapore's achievements in diverse areas, its robust economic growth, and the effective public policies being implemented there. He also outlined the contributions and presence of the Indian community in Singapore.
He briefed CM Naidu on the strategies being adopted in Singapore across key sectors such as healthcare, green hydrogen, aviation, semiconductors, ports, and industrial development. He further emphasised the strong diplomatic and economic relationship between India and Singapore, noting that Singaporean firms are particularly interested in exploring investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh.
"A great start to my visit to Singapore with a series of productive meetings focused on strengthening collaboration. I met with Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, for insightful discussions on developments in Andhra Pradesh and Singapore. I also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Low Cher Ek, CEO and Global Lead for Township, and Mr. Tan Sri Dato' A. K. Nathan, Executive Chairman and Group MD of Eversendai Engineering. We explored opportunities for infrastructure development and investment in Andhra Pradesh," Naidu said in a post on X.