Q. Critical mineral security is becoming central to India’s clean energy transition, industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy. Discuss.
( GS Paper III – Resource Security / Energy Transition / Industrial Policy)
Introduction:
Critical minerals are non-fuel metallic or non-metallic minerals essential for advanced technologies but vulnerable to supply disruption. Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, copper and rare earth elements are crucial for electric vehicles, batteries, renewable energy, semiconductors, defence and advanced manufacturing. India has identified 30 critical minerals to strengthen resource security.
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Why Critical Minerals Matter for India
1. Clean Energy Transition
India’s renewable energy, electric mobility and battery storage goals are mineral intensive. Lithium, cobalt and nickel power batteries, copper supports transmission systems, while rare earth elements are used in wind turbines and electric motors.
2. Industrial Competitiveness
Critical minerals are inputs for semiconductors, AI hardware, electronics, telecommunications and advanced manufacturing. Secure supply chains are necessary for Make in India, green manufacturing and Viksit Bharat.
3. Strategic Autonomy and Defence
High-purity minerals and rare earth magnets are used in missiles, jet engines, drones, satellites and defence electronics. Import dependence can therefore create national security vulnerabilities.
Key Challenges
India remains import-dependent for lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth magnets. The biggest weakness lies in the “missing middle” of processing, refining and high-purity production, where China dominates global value chains. India also faces shallow exploration, limited private investment, weak recycling systems and absence of strategic mineral stockpiles.
Way Forward
India must accelerate the National Critical Mineral Mission, expand deep exploration, build processing and refining capacity, promote recycling, attract private capital, diversify overseas supplies through KABIL, and create strategic mineral reserves.
Conclusion:
Critical mineral security is not merely a mining issue; it is central to India’s energy transition, industrial resilience and national security. Possessing mineral reserves alone will not ensure strategic autonomy unless India builds the full value chain from exploration to refining, recycling and manufacturing. Therefore, India must shift from a resource-import mindset to a mine-to-market and circular economy strategy. A secure, diversified and sustainable critical mineral ecosystem will determine India’s ability to become a clean energy leader, advanced manufacturing hub and strategically autonomous power.
Q. India’s electric vehicle transition is both an environmental necessity and an industrial opportunity. Discuss.
(GS Paper III – Environment / Energy Security / Industrial Policy | 15 Marks)
Introduction:
Electric Vehicles are vehicles powered by electric motors using energy stored in batteries. India’s EV ecosystem has expanded rapidly, with EV sales growing nearly 46 times since 2016, while exports increased from USD 1.2 million in 2020 to USD 84 million in 2024. This shows that electric mobility is becoming a key driver of clean transport, energy security and industrial growth.
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Environmental Necessity
1. Reducing Urban Pollution
EVs have zero tailpipe emissions, helping reduce vehicular pollution in cities. This is important as transport contributes around 9% of India’s total emissions.
2. Supporting Climate Commitments
India aims to reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. EV adoption supports these goals by lowering dependence on fossil-fuel-based transport.
3. Cleaner Public Mobility
Electrification of buses, three-wheelers and last-mile transport can reduce congestion, noise pollution and local air pollution.
Industrial and Economic Opportunity
1. Domestic Manufacturing Push
Schemes such as FAME India, PM E-DRIVE, PLI-Auto, PLI-ACC Battery and the National Mission on Manufacturing are promoting domestic EV production, battery manufacturing and component localisation.
2. Export Potential
India is emerging as an EV export hub, with exports rising sharply and Indian-made EVs targeting markets such as Nepal, Indonesia, Japan and advanced economies.
3. Startup and Investment Ecosystem
Around 400 EV startups are working in charging infrastructure, battery innovation, software and low-cost manufacturing. This can generate jobs and strengthen innovation-led growth.
Challenges
India still faces gaps in charging infrastructure, battery import dependence, high upfront costs, grid readiness, battery recycling and uneven State-level progress.
Way Forward
India must expand public charging networks, localise battery and critical mineral supply chains, promote battery recycling, electrify public transport, improve EV financing and strengthen State-level EV policies.
Conclusion:
India’s EV transition should not be viewed only as a climate measure. It is a strategic opportunity to reduce oil imports, improve urban air quality, build domestic manufacturing capacity and become part of global green supply chains. However, long-term success will depend on battery localisation, affordable technology, reliable charging infrastructure and circular economy systems. A well-planned EV transition can help India achieve clean mobility, energy security, green jobs and industrial competitiveness together.
