India is making notable strides toward achieving energy security through its strategic focus on securing and developing sources of key minerals deemed necessary for the transition to clean energy. This shift is underscored by the government’s recent initiatives, including the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) and sweeping budgetary reforms aimed at reducing import dependencies.
Recently, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, emphasized India's commitment to securing these minerals during his participation in the Future Minerals Forum 2025 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Reddy is scheduled to meet with Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, to discuss bilateral cooperation and investment opportunities in the mineral sector. This meeting follows initiatives intended to develop international partnerships aimed at sustainable mineral development.
According to reports, the NCMM has been recently approved by the Indian government with a total commitment of Rs 34,300 crore over seven years. This ambitious mission—integrated with investments from both public and private sectors—aims to reduce the nation's reliance on foreign imports of key minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, all of which are integral to the manufacturing of clean energy technologies.
Experts believe this mission is pivotal not only for enhancing domestic production but also for positioning India strategically within the global supply chain. Rajat Verma, Founder & CEO of LOHUM, noted, "The 2025 budget marks a watershed moment in India's pathway toward clean energy sovereignty and circular economy leadership." The plan to eliminate import duties on lithium-ion battery scrap and cobalt powder was met favorably, signaling potential growth avenues for domestic processing and production capabilities.
Industry stakeholders such as Sunil Mathur from Siemens highlight the significance of these budgetary moves, stating, "The announcements are a shot in the arm for consumption, which will, in turn, drive demand and then manufacturing. The focus on clean technology demonstrates the government's commitment to sustainable industrial growth." Such sentiments are echoed across the board, pointing to expectations of innovation and job creation spurred by investments in offshore wind energy and hybrid renewable projects.
Notable provisions were included for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, with the Indian government fully exempting customs duty on sourced minerals integral to EV batteries and mobile technology. This is anticipated to significantly boost the domestic industry and reduce reliance on international supply lines.
The overarching goal remains to establish India as a major player in the clean energy arena by enhancing domestic capabilities and securing international partnerships. The NCMM is expected to streamline the exploration and production of mineral resources, aiming for minimal bureaucratic delays to encourage investment. Reports reveal plans for comprehensive exploration efforts across both terrestrial and offshore sectors, identifying new mineral deposits to sustain indigenous needs.
Varchasvi Gagal, Managing Director & CEO of Datta Infra, emphasized the importance of initiatives to boost solar cell manufacturing, presenting it as strategic preparation to secure India's energy future. "This move not only enhances self-reliance but aligns with the government’s ambitious renewable energy target of achieving 500 gigawatts by 2030," Gagal remarked.
While the NCMM and budget reforms present numerous promising prospects, challenges remain. The ecological impact of mining, potential technological gaps, and intense global competition are issues the Indian government must adeptly navigate. Environmental concerns demand sustainable practices to minimize disruptions to the ecosystem, as experts point out the necessity of enforcing regulations effectively.
The backdrop of these developments increasingly emphasizes the need for establishing Centers of Excellence focused on mineral mining to promote innovation and research, enhancing India's capabilities for both exploration and processing technologies. Through public-private partnerships and international collaborations, the government plans to bolster resource acquisition securely.
The significance of this moment cannot be overstated; as India seeks to decrease dependence on foreign imports, it simultaneously aims to increase economic self-sufficiency. The outcome of these initiatives could reshape India’s engagement and influence within global mining and clean energy frameworks.
The vision laid out by the Indian government augurs well for both energy security and sustainable economic growth. Ensuring seamless integration of renewable energy sources alongside inspiring confidence within the domestic industry may pave the way for India’s leadership role within the broader clean energy transition.