Nara Lokesh Meets Sberbank VP: AI & Tech Ties for Andhra Pradesh

Amaravati, Jun 3 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday met with Sberbank Senior Vice President Albert Yedfimov in Moscow to explore strategic collaborations in AI, quantum computing, digital innovation and others

The meeting was part of the state government's efforts to build global technology partnerships.

"As part of Andhra Pradesh's efforts to build global technology partnerships, Minister for Education, IT and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, held discussions with Albert Yefimov, Senior Vice President of Sberbank, one of Russia's leading financial and technology institutions," said an official press release.

Incidentally, the meeting provided an opportunity to understand Russia's progress in sovereign artificial intelligence, digital platforms, advanced computing and technology-led innovation.

Deliberations between Lokesh and Yefimov covered emerging areas such as generative AI, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech, workforce skilling and technology applications in public services.

Sberbank representatives presented an overview of the bank's technology ecosystem, including its GigaChat large language model, AI research initiatives and digital solutions deployed across banking and public-facing services, said the press release.


While Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh's ambition to emerge as a leading AI and technology hub, evincing interest in exploring areas where global best practices and technological innovations could support the state's digital transformation agenda.

Exploring AI applications in healthcare, the duo discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, including early disease detection, diagnostics, medical research, hospital operations and citizen-facing health services.

Also, they exchanged views on how AI-driven solutions could improve healthcare accessibility and outcomes at scale.

The state IT minister and Sberbank's Yefimov exchanged views on technology education and workforce development models, including global approaches to coding education, AI skills development and industry-oriented training programmes, aimed at preparing young professionals for the digital economy.

Further, they touched upon broader opportunities to strengthen economic engagement between India and Russia, including facilitating business linkages, supporting exporters and leveraging technology to improve cross-border trade ecosystems.

"Yefimov shared insights into Sberbank's operations in India and its ongoing engagement with Indian businesses and institutions. Both sides agreed to remain in touch and explore areas of mutual interest as opportunities emerge," said the release.

The meeting forms part of Andhra Pradesh's broader outreach during Lokesh's Russia visit to engage with global technology leaders, research institutions and industry stakeholders across emerging sectors, it added.