A single post on social media platform X seeking suggestions on where to set up a ₹300-crore drone manufacturing facility has triggered a race among Indian states to attract the proposed investment.
Chandru Rajendran, founder of Procurio, an AI-led managed sourcing and manufacturing platform, posted on X that one of his major manufacturing clients was looking to establish a drone manufacturing facility and was evaluating multiple states.
“One of our major manufacturing clients is interested in setting up a drone manufacturing facility with an investment of ₹300 crore. We are currently evaluating multiple states for this project. Any suggestions?” Rajendran wrote.
He added that the company was particularly looking at government approvals and support
for the project’s long-term development.
One of our major manufacturing clients is interested in setting up a drone manufacturing facility with an investment of ₹300 crore.
We are currently evaluating multiple states for this project.
Any suggestions?
— Chandru Rajendran (@ChandruProcurio) August 27, 2026
The post quickly caught the attention of state investment agencies and political leaders, with Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh among those making a direct pitch for the proposed facility.
Guidance Tamil Nadu, the state’s investment promotion agency, highlighted the state’s defence and manufacturing ecosystem.
“Hi Chandru, Tamil Nadu offers a compelling ecosystem for this project. As home to one of India’s two Defence Industrial Corridors, the State has a strong and growing base of drone & UAV manufacturers, advanced manufacturing capabilities and skilled engineering talent,” it said.
The agency also said it had sent Rajendran a direct message and offered to assist with site selection, approvals, government facilitation and implementation.
Hi Chandru, Tamil Nadu offers a compelling ecosystem for this project. As home to one of India’s two Defence Industrial Corridors, the State has a strong and growing base of drone & UAV manufacturers, advanced manufacturing capabilities and skilled engineering talent.
We have…
— Guidance Tamil Nadu (@Guidance_TN) August 27, 2026
Rajendran responded to the pitch, saying he would connect with the Guidance Tamil Nadu team to discuss the next steps.
Andhra Pradesh also moved quickly to pitch itself for the investment. State Cabinet Minister Nara Lokesh highlighted the government’s plans for an advanced drone city in Kurnool and offered land, infrastructure and faster approvals.
“Chandru, AP is developing an advanced drone city in Kurnool. We can offer land, access to a world class ecosystem and fast approvals. We also have an incentive policy customized for each sub-sector, with one for drones. I’m sure it will be a great fit,” Lokesh wrote on X, tagging the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board.
Chandru, AP is developing an advanced drone city in Kurnool. We can offer land, access to a world class ecosystem and fast approvals. We also have an incentive policy customized for each sub-sector, with one for drones. I’m sure it will be a great fit.
Please get in touch… https://t.co/DRV79Y8eei
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) August 28, 2026
The Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board responded to Lokesh’s post with “Noted sir”.
The post also drew pitches from individuals advocating for their respective states.
An X user, Satyappa NM, argued that Karnataka would be a better choice, citing Bengaluru’s drone ecosystem and availability of skilled workers.
Another user pitched Telangana, saying the state offered a combination of infrastructure, land availability and talent.
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