At the Raisina Dialogue 2026, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the unique role Indians play as global ambassadors, emphasizing their ability to quickly integrate and adapt to foreign countries. Speaking amid the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, Naidu underscored how Indians have earned a reputation as some of the best diplomats worldwide due to their seamless integration into diverse societies and their positive contributions wherever they reside.
The Raisina Dialogue, a premier international conference organized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), gathers global leaders, policymakers, strategists, and experts from over 110 countries. Naidu was the only chief minister invited to speak at the prestigious forum, reflecting the significance of his insights on India’s global diplomatic influence and internal developmental strategies.
During a session focused on India’s diplomacy, Naidu pointed out the widespread presence of Indians across the globe. “Wherever you go in the world, you will find Indians,” he said. Their ease of integration into local communities and their proactive engagement in the welfare of their host countries make them effective informal diplomats. This global Indian diaspora not only strengthens bilateral relations but also acts as a bridge between India and other nations, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
Naidu traced the evolution of Indian migration patterns, noting that earlier waves of Indian expatriates were predominantly concentrated in hubs like Silicon Valley in the United States. However, today, Indians have a presence across continents and in various sectors, particularly technology and innovation. This diversification reflects the expanding global footprint of Indian talent and entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, Naidu expressed optimism about a potential phase of reverse migration, where Indians living abroad might return home, attracted by growing economic opportunities and development prospects in India.
Central to Naidu’s vision is the transformation of Andhra Pradesh’s capital city, Amaravati, into a cutting-edge technology hub. He described ambitious plans to position Amaravati as a centre for Artificial Intelligence, advanced data centres, and quantum computing. This includes the launch of the “Quantum Valley” initiative, which aims to establish a world-class ecosystem supporting next-generation technologies. The initiative is designed to attract global research institutions, technology companies, and startups, thereby placing Amaravati on the global innovation map.
Beyond quantum technology, Amaravati is being developed as a knowledge-driven, creative city with specialized clusters focused on emerging industries. These include dedicated zones for drone technology, aerospace hubs, and electronics manufacturing. The state government is prioritizing world-class infrastructure development and streamlining regulatory approvals to create a conducive environment for investment and technological advancement. Such efforts are intended to make Andhra Pradesh a magnet for global investors and innovators, catalyzing economic growth and employment.
In addition to technological aspirations, Naidu addressed demographic challenges and the importance of forward-looking population management policies. He highlighted global trends of aging populations in many countries and noted that certain Indian regions, especially in the south, are experiencing declining fertility rates. In response, the Andhra Pradesh government is considering a comprehensive population management strategy aimed at stabilizing population growth while encouraging families to have more children.
On March 5, Naidu introduced a “Five Pillar Model” designed to incentivize families to have a second or third child. Unlike traditional family planning approaches focused primarily on limiting births, this new policy emphasizes “population care.” Under the scheme, couples would receive financial incentives — specifically, Rs 25,000 — for having additional children beyond the first. This approach aims to balance demographic concerns with socio-economic development goals, ensuring a stable and productive population in the years ahead.
The Chief Minister’s remarks at the Raisina Dialogue reflect a broader narrative about India’s rising global stature, both through its people and its internal development trajectory. Indians abroad serve as vital connectors and ambassadors, while initiatives like Amaravati’s technological transformation showcase the country’s ambitions to become a global innovation powerhouse. Meanwhile, demographic strategies signal a proactive approach to managing India’s future human capital.
Providing authoritative coverage of these developments is Sreenivas Janyala, Deputy Associate Editor at The Indian Express. Based in Hyderabad, Janyala has over two decades of experience reporting on the socio-political and economic landscape of the Telugu-speaking states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. His work has documented key regional events, including the Telangana statehood movement and the post-bifurcation growth of both states.
Janyala’s expertise encompasses a wide range of critical issues. He closely tracks high-stakes regional politics involving major parties like the BRS