New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that India must enhance its capacity for processing critical minerals, which are essential for developing future technologies. He noted that minerals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt are vital for electric vehicles, batteries, electronics, and the defense sector; however, India currently remains heavily dependent on imports for processed minerals.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’ on Wednesday, the Prime Minister questioned whether India should rely on other nations for the processing of critical minerals required to meet future needs. He remarked, “I certainly do not believe so.”
The Prime Minister explained that the Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme aimed at reducing this dependency and building domestic processing capacity. Under this initiative, new plants for processing critical minerals will be established, and capital subsidies will be provided to encourage investment.
He added that this initiative will foster domestic value addition for minerals and strengthen supply chains. India must develop the necessary capabilities within the country to build future-oriented technologies.
Notably, the Cabinet has approved a scheme with an outlay of ₹2,814 crore to promote the processing of critical minerals. The scheme will be implemented over a five-year period, from the financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31, with the objective of boosting domestic industry and investment in the critical mineral processing sector.
