India’s National Critical Minerals Mission aims to secure mineral resources abroad and enhance partnerships with resource-rich countries. The CSEP’s new paper by Dr. Vaidyanathan recommends strategies for collaboration with Africa, identifying shared interests and potential pathways for engagement. This approach emphasizes the importance of leveraging strengths to benefit both India and African nations in the green energy sector.
India’s National Critical Minerals Mission, initiated in January 2025, emphasizes the significance of securing critical mineral resources internationally and enhancing trade with countries rich in these resources. Despite its ambitions, the mission document lacks specific geographic strategies for achieving these objectives. In response, India’s prominent think tank, the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), has released a paper titled “India, Africa and Critical Minerals: Towards a Green Energy Partnership” by Dr. Veda Vaidyanathan, outlining policy recommendations for India’s strategy towards resource-rich African nations.
The paper presents a unique approach, utilizing comprehensive methodologies such as in-depth interviews and consultations with key stakeholders, including policymakers and industry leaders. In the current geopolitically charged environment surrounding critical minerals, it examines African priorities and identifies opportunities for India to establish beneficial collaborations, proposing nine actionable policy pathways.
Dr. Vaidyanathan remarked, “In an era that could be dominated by the geopolitics of a green energy transition, this study emphasizes how recognizing African priorities and aligning Indian interests, far from being altruistic, would in fact support New Delhi’s ambitions to diversify and strengthen its critical mineral supply chains.”
To facilitate immediate progress, the study advises the Government of India to assemble a task force, including members from the existing Inter-Ministerial Group on Critical Minerals. This group could draft a white paper detailing how variously sized Indian companies can effectively engage in African mining operations while managing risks and competition. Furthermore, establishing reliable research frameworks could pinpoint gaps and opportunities for collaboration between India and Africa.
In the long term, the paper suggests mobilizing private sector investments to support development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Initiatives could include acquiring new exploration licences and forming joint ventures. Additionally, it proposes the creation of a “Critical Minerals Compact” targeting SADC nations during the upcoming India–Africa Forum Summit.
New Delhi’s emerging role as a leading voice for the Global South positions it to foster innovative global partnerships focused on the responsible sourcing of critical minerals, as highlighted in the paper.
The integration of India’s critical minerals strategy with African priorities presents a significant opportunity for mutual benefits. By establishing strategic collaborations and research frameworks, India can diversify its mineral supply chains while supporting sustainable development in Africa. This alignment not only meets India’s energy transition goals but also enhances Africa’s economic prospects, fostering a win-win scenario in international relations.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
