India’s Race for Critical Minerals: Powering Economic Growth and Strategic Self-Reliance – EQ
In Short : Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel are vital for India’s clean energy transition, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing. As global demand surges, securing these resources has become crucial for India’s economic growth and strategic autonomy. Developing domestic reserves, forging international partnerships, and building refining capacity will determine India’s long-term technological and geopolitical strength.
In Detail : Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are emerging as the foundation of India’s economic and strategic future. These resources are essential for technologies driving the global energy transition, including electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and advanced batteries. Their availability and control are becoming central to global power dynamics.
India’s rapid industrialization and clean energy goals are creating unprecedented demand for these critical materials. With the government targeting 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030 and expanding electric mobility, the need for stable mineral supply chains has become more urgent than ever before.
Currently, India depends heavily on imports for most of these minerals, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations and geopolitical risks. Countries like China dominate global processing and refining, giving them significant influence over prices and supply security. This imbalance poses a strategic challenge for India.
To counter this, India has launched several initiatives to identify and develop domestic reserves. The Geological Survey of India has intensified exploration of lithium and rare earths in states like Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan. These discoveries could help reduce import dependency and strengthen national resilience.
The government is also pursuing international collaborations through initiatives like the Critical Minerals Partnership with countries such as Australia and the United States. These partnerships aim to ensure reliable access to raw materials and enable technology transfer for refining and processing.
Building refining and recycling capacity within India is another key priority. Developing domestic processing industries will not only create jobs but also help India move up the value chain, from raw material importer to technology manufacturer and exporter.
The private sector, too, is stepping up with investments in battery materials, mineral exploration, and circular economy projects. This growing ecosystem supports India’s ambition to become a global hub for green technology manufacturing and clean energy innovation.
Critical minerals are not just about economic opportunity—they are central to national security and strategic autonomy. Control over these resources determines a nation’s ability to sustain defense, technology, and energy industries independently.
As India navigates the global shift toward decarbonization, its success will depend on securing a steady supply of critical minerals. Strengthening domestic capabilities, diversifying partnerships, and embracing innovation will be essential for shaping India’s future as a self-reliant and strategically empowered nation.
