The growing importance of critical minerals India has emerged as a central theme in India’s defence, economic and technological strategy. In a rapidly evolving global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and increasing competition for resources, India is placing renewed focus on securing access to minerals that are vital for modern defence systems and advanced technologies. This strategic priority was strongly underlined at a recent high-level roundtable organised in New Delhi, highlighting how critical minerals are foundational to national security and long-term development goals.

The roundtable, titled Minerals That Matter: Geopolitics, Sovereignty & Value Chains, was jointly organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) and IP Bazzaar. The event brought together top policymakers, defence strategists, industry leaders, technology innovators, academicians and intellectual property professionals. The diverse participation reflected the multi-dimensional nature of the issue, spanning defence preparedness, industrial capability, innovation ecosystems and global geopolitics.

Delivering the inaugural address, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, emphasised the indispensable role of critical minerals in modern defence architectures. He stated that today’s defence platforms such as jet engines, missiles, precision guided weapons, radars, satellites, batteries and semiconductors depend heavily on assured and uninterrupted access to these minerals. This observation reinforces the reality that defence preparedness is no longer limited to weapons and manpower alone, but also hinges on secure material supply chains.

The critical minerals latest news from this event underscores a growing concern shared by many countries across the world. Global supply chains for critical minerals are highly concentrated, with a small number of countries controlling mining, processing and refining capacities. This concentration is further compounded by export control regulations, trade restrictions and geopolitical rivalries, which increase uncertainty and vulnerability for import-dependent nations like India.

For India, this dependence represents a significant strategic challenge. As highlighted by the CISC, reliance on external sources for critical minerals poses a vulnerability in achieving national objectives such as defence preparedness India, Viksit Bharat 2047 strategy and Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence. Any disruption in supply chains during times of conflict or diplomatic tension could directly impact the availability of critical defence systems and technologies.

Recognising this challenge, the Government of India has initiated several domestic measures aimed at reducing import dependence and building indigenous capabilities. A key initiative discussed during the roundtable was the National Critical Mineral Mission. This mission focuses on the systematic identification of critical minerals essential for India’s economic and strategic needs and aims to develop a comprehensive ecosystem covering mining, processing, refining and recycling.

The emphasis on the entire value chain is particularly significant. Traditionally, many countries have focused only on mineral extraction, leaving processing and refining to global players. India’s approach, as articulated during the discussion, seeks to create end-to-end capabilities within the country. This strategy enhances supply security, creates domestic value addition and supports industrial growth linked to advanced manufacturing and defence production.

The CENJOWS critical minerals dialogue also highlighted the importance of aligning mineral strategy with defence planning. Modern warfare increasingly relies on technologically sophisticated systems that require rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt, nickel and other strategic minerals. These materials are essential for high-performance alloys, electronics, energy storage and communication systems that form the backbone of contemporary military capabilities.

Another important dimension discussed at the roundtable was the role of intellectual property and innovation in the critical minerals sector. A major highlight of the event was the launch of a compilation of 30 technical reports on critical minerals, along with detailed analyses of intellectual property landscapes and market studies. These reports provide valuable insights into global trends, technological developments and competitive positioning, helping policymakers and industry stakeholders make informed decisions.

The integration of intellectual property considerations into mineral strategy reflects a forward-looking approach. As India seeks to move up the value chain, developing proprietary technologies for mineral processing, recycling and substitution becomes crucial. This not only reduces dependence on foreign technologies but also strengthens India’s innovation ecosystem and global competitiveness.

The discussions also stressed that strategic minerals India are not only critical for defence but also for broader economic growth. Technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics and digital infrastructure all depend on reliable access to critical minerals. Therefore, strengthening mineral supply chains contributes simultaneously to defence preparedness, industrial expansion and sustainable development.

From a geopolitical perspective, the roundtable highlighted how mineral resources are increasingly becoming instruments of strategic influence. Countries with control over critical mineral supply chains can exert economic and political leverage. In this context, India’s efforts to diversify sources, invest in overseas mineral assets and build domestic capacity are essential for safeguarding national interests.

The role of defence institutions such as the CISC defence statement in shaping this narrative is particularly important. By clearly articulating the link between mineral security and defence readiness, the armed forces are reinforcing the urgency of coordinated action across government departments, industry and research institutions. This integrated approach is necessary to address the complexity of mineral supply challenges.

The roundtable also aligned the critical minerals agenda with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which envisions India as a developed nation by its centenary year of independence. Achieving this vision requires robust industrial capabilities, technological leadership and strategic autonomy. Secure access to critical minerals is a foundational requirement for all these objectives.

Similarly, the focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence reflects India’s commitment to reducing external dependencies in critical sectors. Indigenous defence manufacturing, supported by reliable mineral supply chains, enhances operational readiness and strategic resilience. It also supports domestic industry, creates skilled employment and promotes innovation-driven growth.

Another key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of sustainability and responsible resource management. As India expands mining and processing activities, environmental considerations, community engagement and ethical practices must be integrated into project planning. Sustainable development of critical minerals ensures long-term availability while minimising ecological and social impacts.

The roundtable also highlighted the need for international collaboration. While self-reliance is a core objective, strategic partnerships with resource-rich countries, participation in global mineral alliances and technology-sharing arrangements can complement domestic efforts. Such collaborations help diversify supply sources and reduce exposure to single-country risks.

The emphasis on India defence supply chains reflects a broader shift in strategic thinking. Defence preparedness is increasingly viewed through the lens of supply chain resilience, encompassing not just weapons systems but also raw materials, components and technologies. Strengthening these supply chains enhances India’s ability to respond effectively to both conventional and non-conventional security challenges.

The participation of industry leaders and technology innovators at the roundtable underscores the critical role of the private sector. Mining companies, processing firms, start-ups and research organisations all have a part to play in building a resilient critical minerals ecosystem. Public-private partnerships can accelerate innovation, scale up capacity and bridge gaps between policy and execution.

Academicians and research institutions also contribute by advancing scientific understanding, developing alternative materials and improving processing efficiencies. Their involvement ensures that policy decisions are grounded in rigorous research and global best practices.

The display of market studies during the event provided insights into demand trends, pricing dynamics and future requirements. Such data-driven analysis is essential for strategic planning, investment decisions and risk assessment. It enables India to anticipate future needs and align its mineral strategy accordingly.

In the context of emerging technologies, the importance of critical minerals will only increase. As defence systems become more autonomous, networked and data-intensive, demand for advanced materials and electronic components will grow. Ensuring secure and affordable access to these inputs is therefore central to maintaining technological superiority.

The discussions at the roundtable reinforced the idea that critical minerals are no longer just an economic issue but a matter of national security. This shift in perspective is driving policy coherence across ministries dealing with defence, mining, industry, environment and external affairs.

In conclusion, the insights shared by the CISC at the CENJOWS roundtable clearly establish the strategic importance of critical minerals for India’s defence preparedness and long-term development. By focusing on indigenous capability development, value chain integration, innovation and sustainability, India is laying the groundwork for secure and resilient mineral supply chains. These efforts are essential for achieving the ambitious goals of Viksit Bharat 2047, strengthening Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence, and ensuring that India remains prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex global landscape.

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