Lokesh seeks Sberbank GigaChat AI and voice recognition tools for UPI security

Minister of IT and HRD Nara Lokesh with Albert Yefimov, Senior Vice President of Sberbank. X/@naralokesh | Photo credit: Special arrangement

IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh held talks with Albert Yefimov, Senior Vice President of Sberbank, one of Russia’s leading financial and technology institutions, in Moscow on Wednesday (June 3, 2026).

In a post on X, Mr Lokesh said he had asked Sberbank to expand its GigaChat large language model (LLM) to banking, public administration and retail in India. He also sought technical assistance from the bank to strengthen UPI network security through advanced voice recognition and biometric anti-fraud systems and asked it to offer structured credit to pharmaceutical and agricultural exporters in Andhra Pradesh.

In Moscow, I met with Albert Yefimov, senior vice president of Sberbank, a leading retail banking company controlled by the Russian government. I want to expand Sbarer Bank GigaChat LLM to Banking, Public Administration and Retail in India. UPI… pic.twitter.com/BlBFEhW4CY

— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) June 3, 2026

According to an official release, the meeting was an opportunity to understand Russia’s progress in sovereign artificial intelligence, digital platforms, advanced computing and technological innovation. Discussions covered emerging areas including generative artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, cyber security, fintech, quantum computing, workforce skills 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 services.

Talking about Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to become a leading AI and technology hub, Mr. Lokesh said he wanted to explore areas where global best practices and technology could support the state’s digital transformation.

Discussions also touched on the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, including early disease detection, diagnostics, medical research, hospital operations and citizen health services. The two sides exchanged views on how AI-based solutions could improve healthcare access and outcomes.

Mr. Lokesh said that Andhra Pradesh is interested in emerging technologies and discussed the future collaboration between research institutions, technology companies and innovation ecosystems in the field of quantum technologies. The meeting also covered ways to strengthen economic ties between India and Russia, including building trade ties, supporting exporters and using technology to improve cross-border trade.

Mr. Yefimov spoke about Sberbank’s operations in India and its involvement with Indian businesses and institutions. Both sides agreed to stay in touch and explore areas of mutual interest as opportunities arise.

Published – 03 Jun 2026 18:29 IST