Minister for Education, IT and Electronics, Nara Lokesh with Albert Yefimov, Senior Vice President, Sberbank
As part of Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to build global technology partnerships, Minister for Education, IT and Electronics, Nara Lokesh is leading a delegation in Russia and held discussion with Albert Yefimov, Senior Vice President, Sberbank, one of Russia’s leading financial and technology institutions.The talks were focussed on Russia’s progress in sovereign artificial intelligence, digital platforms, advanced computing and technology-led innovation and emerging areas including generative AI, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech, quantum computing, 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.Minister Lokesh highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to emerge as a leading AI and technology hub and expressed interest in exploring areas where global best practices and technological innovations could support the state’s digital transformation agenda.The discussions also touched upon the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, including early disease detection, diagnostics, medical research, hospital operations and citizen-facing health services. Both sides exchanged views on how AI-driven solutions could improve healthcare accessibility and outcomes at scale.The meeting also explored developments in quantum computing and advanced research ecosystems. Minister Lokesh noted Andhra Pradesh’s interest in emerging technologies and discussed possibilities for future engagement between research institutions, technology companies and innovation ecosystems in areas related to quantum technologies.Published on June 3, 2026
