IBM’s return to Visakhapatnam is not just another IT investment. It has once again sparked a political debate over Andhra Pradesh’s IT sector and what happened during the YSRCP government’s five years in power.
IBM had a presence in Visakhapatnam before shutting its operations during the previous government. The company never officially explained why it left. But the opposition repeatedly pointed to policy uncertainty, pending incentives and the review of earlier industrial decisions as reasons why investor confidence had weakened.
Now, IBM is back.
The company has set up a Client Innovation Center in Visakhapatnam, with IT Minister Nara Lokesh set to inaugurate the facility. IBM has also registered with STPI and plans exports worth over ₹321 crore in the next three years while creating more than 500 jobs in the first phase. Reports also suggest it is looking for land to build a permanent campus.
For Lokesh, this is a timely boost. Since taking charge of the IT department, he has been saying Andhra Pradesh needs to rebuild its image among global technology companies. IBM’s return gives him a strong example to point to.
The conversation around Visakhapatnam also seems to be changing. A few years ago, the focus was on companies leaving or slowing down expansion. Today, it is about companies returning and new investments.
No company decides where to invest based on politics alone. Business plans, infrastructure, talent and market conditions all play a part.
Even then, IBM’s return sends a positive message.
The bigger test is still ahead. If more global technology companies follow IBM’s lead, Visakhapatnam’s IT revival will become much easier to believe. And the debate over the previous government’s IT record is only likely to grow stronger.
IBM.. మళ్లీ విశాఖకు!
వైకాపా హయాంలో నగరాన్ని వీడిన IT giant, కూటమి ప్రభుత్వం అధికారంలోకి వచ్చాక తిరిగి వచ్చింది.
విశాఖలోని IBM Client Innovation Centerను Wednesday IT Minister @naralokesh ప్రారంభించనున్నారు. pic.twitter.com/e1jQzvRXsc
— M9 NEWS (@M9News_) August 5, 2026
