Critical Minerals
Strategic Importance and India's Policy
Critical minerals are minerals essential for modern technology, defence, and clean energy applications but subject to supply chain concentration risks. India announced its first Critical Minerals Strategy in 2023 and established KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Limited) in 2019 as a joint venture to secure overseas mineral assets.
- India's critical minerals list: 30 minerals including lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, gallium, germanium, tungsten
- KABIL: Joint venture of NALCO, HCL, and MECL; signed agreements with Australia and Argentina for lithium and cobalt
- China controls approximately 60% of global critical mineral processing and 80% of rare earth refining
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023: Introduced a separate list of 24 critical and strategic minerals for auction
- Union Budget 2023-24: Full exemption of customs duty on lithium-ion battery cell imports
● Tracked since February 02, 2026 · last seen July 26, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
26 May '26
Quad vows to invest $20 billion towards critical minerals supply chains
International Relations
24 May '26
Jaishankar holds talks with Rubio, reviews India-US strategic cooperation
International Relations
21 May '26
'India, Italy signed critical MoUs in various sectors,' says MEA Secy (West)
International Relations
20 May '26
India-Italy ties hit sweet spot: Deals on defence, critical minerals
International Relations
13 May '26
India-Japan seek to advance coop in critical minerals, semiconductors & ICT
International Relations
17 Apr '26
Pope condemns use of AI to fuel 'polarisation, conflict, fear and violence'
Science & Technology
30 Mar '26
India must pursue value-driven critical minerals diplomacy in Africa
International Relations
Plus 14 earlier mentions since February 02, 2026.
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