Critical minerals, the foundation of strategic power
Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths are vital for clean energy transition, digitalization, and national security. The global supply chain is highly concentrated, with China dominating processing, creating geopolitical risks. India, despite some domestic reserves, is import-dependent and faces processing bottlenecks for its ambitious clean energy and manufacturing goals. The article details India's recent policy shift, including the National Critical Mineral Mission, KABIL's overseas acquisitions, and international partnerships, emphasizing the need for robust execution to build domestic capability and reduce strategic vulnerability.
Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths are vital for clean energy transition, digitalization, and national security. The global supply chain is highly concentrated, with China dominating processing, creating geopolitical risks. India, despite some domestic reserves, is import-dependent and faces processing bottlenecks for its ambitious clean energy and manufacturing goals. The article details India's recent policy shift, including the National Critical Mineral Mission, KABIL's overseas acquisitions, and international partnerships, emphasizing the need for robust execution to build domestic capability and reduce strategic vulnerability.
Exam linkage
GS-III (Indian Economy - Industrial Policy, Resource Mobilization; Environment & Ecology - Renewable Energy, Climate Change; Science & Technology - Advanced Manufacturing, Semiconductors)
Syllabus mapping
This topic appears in Mains
Questions on Indian Economy come up regularly in GS papers. Practice writing an answer — and see exactly what earns marks.
Editorial & Review Process
Every current affairs analysis and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy and syllabus relevance. Read our Editorial Policy.