Indians are best diplomats, says Naidu amid rising global tensions

Vijayawada: chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said Andhra Pradesh brought in a policy for population management, sensing future risks, especially at a time when several countries are facing a rapid rise in elderly populations. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, where a state CM was invited for the first time in the event's history, Naidu said the fertility rate in southern states dropped to nearly 1.5, and the aim of AP's population management policy is to raise it to 2.1 to avoid long-term demographic imbalance.Naidu said the focus shifted from earlier family planning campaigns to ensuring population stability. The govt is creating awareness about having more than two children and is offering incentives, including ₹25,000 for the third child and monthly support of ₹1,000. Additional provisions such as child-care leave are under consideration. Countries already grappling with ageing populations showed the risks ahead, and India should act early instead of responding after the problem becomes severe, he said.
Speaking on India's technology evolution, Naidu said the country's ability to adopt telecom and technology reforms early enabled rapid progress. He said Indians played a key role in the growth of many nations and are now seen everywhere. Their expertise in IT is globally recognised, and their reputation as excellent diplomats known for flexibility and adaptability strengthened India's global presence, he said.Referring to earlier phases of "brain drain", Naidu said highly skilled Indians once moved to places such as Silicon Valley for opportunities. With skills and resources now increasingly concentrated in India, Naidu said a phase of reverse migration is likely to begin soon, with opportunities shifting towards regions capable of supporting new-age industries. He said nearly 60% of global capability centres chose India, indicating strong confidence in its workforce.Naidu said India is advancing rapidly in green energy and will emerge as an exporter of electricity to several countries. He said cooperative federalism is essential to sustain momentum and added that AP is coordinating with the Centre and neighbouring states across multiple sectors.Outlining long-term development plans in Amaravati, Naidu said a creative city is being built for innovators and unconventional thinkers. Drone city, aerospace city and electronics city are part of the larger strategy to position the state as a hub for emerging technologies, he said. With AI data centres taking shape, Andhra Pradesh is preparing to become a destination for artificial intelligence and quantum computing, he said. The CM said rapid changes are coming in healthcare too, with drone ambulances—once an idea on paper—now becoming a reality.Naidu said AP was made business-friendly by improving infrastructure and ensuring that investors receive timely clearances without delays. A Global Leadership Centre is being set up in Amaravati to strengthen talent development and global collaboration. The Raisina Dialogue is being organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the ministry of external affairs. The ORF president Samir Saran expressed interest in setting up their southern centre at Amaravati, and Naidu welcomed him and offered all support.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !