India’s Strategic Technology Push: Critical Minerals, RDI Fund and Nuclear Sector

India needs to build capabilities across the critical minerals and advanced materials value chain to strengthen energy security, industrial competitiveness and national security, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.

Speaking at the 3rd Global Summit on Advanced Materials, Critical Minerals and Metals organised by CII at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, Singh said India should develop capabilities ranging from exploration and extraction to refining, processing, engineering and manufacturing.

He said the country needs to combine domestic resources with international partnerships and develop indigenous technologies while maintaining global benchmarks.

Singh stressed the need for closer cooperation among the government, industry, research institutions, startups, investors and international partners. He said industry should be involved at an early stage of research projects so that innovations remain aligned with market requirements and can move towards commercialisation.

The minister also highlighted the RDI Fund, which is being implemented to support research, development and innovation and encourage greater private-sector participation.

The government has also opened the nuclear sector to private players, Singh said, adding that the framework provides opportunities for domestic industry and international investors. He also invited international investors, including those from Canada, to participate in the sector.

Singh called for greater investment in research and innovation and urged industry and leading business houses to increase philanthropic support for research.

He also cited the use of steel slag in road construction as an example of research and innovation helping convert industrial waste into a useful resource.

The minister outlined priorities including greater investment in research and innovation, building domestic capabilities for energy security, stronger partnerships among stakeholders, adoption of global and recycling models, and increased support for research.

The summit was held with the theme “Building Resilient Value Chains for a Sustainable and Competitive Future.” Advanced materials and critical minerals are increasingly important for sectors including clean energy, electric mobility, semiconductors, telecommunications, aerospace, defence and nuclear energy.