Home   »   Mineral diplomacy

India’s Firmer attempts at Mineral Diplomacy

India’s Critical Mineral Dependency: Challenges

  • Heavy Dependency: India has a 100% reliance on imports of lithium, cobalt, and nickel. This heavy dependence poses risks, especially given the geopolitical tensions surrounding these resources.
    • China’s Near-Monopoly: Approximately 70% of India’s lithium imports come from China, highlighting a near-monopoly that raises national security concerns.
  • Increased Demand: The value of India’s critical mineral imports has surged from $475 million in FY15 to nearly $4.93 billion in FY24.
  • Lack of domestic production: Despite having reserves of certain critical minerals (e.g., cobalt and copper), India has not yet developed robust domestic production capabilities.

India’s Perception of Mineral Diplomacy

  • Engagement Pillars: India’s mineral diplomacy relies on two major pillars:
    • Bilateral and Multilateral Engagement: Strengthening ties with resource-rich nations (e.g., Australia, Argentina, Chile, Kazakhstan) and participating in international forums like the Quad, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP).
  • Strategic Partnerships: Establishing joint ventures such as Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) to secure critical mineral resources through agreements and investments.
  • Government Initiatives:
    • KABIL’s Agreements: Partnerships with Australia, Latin American countries (e.g., a $24 million lithium pact with Argentina), and Kazakhstan (IREUK Titanium Limited) to bolster mineral security.
    • Policy Cooperation: MoUs with organizations like the International Energy Agency (IEA) to streamline policies and adopt global best practices.
India’s Initiatives to Reduce Dependency
●       The government has launched the Critical Minerals Mission.

●       Reduced import duties on various critical minerals.

●       Implemented measures to step up exploration campaign by auctioning off mining blocks.

●       Expanded the Deep Ocean Mission.

Challenges in India’s Mineral Diplomacy

  • Lack of Private Sector Participation: Private enterprises are largely absent from India’s critical mineral initiatives.
    • There is no clear roadmap or strategy to integrate the private sector into the mineral supply chain.
  • Weak Diplomatic Capacity: India lacks a dedicated framework for mineral diplomacy within its diplomatic apparatus.
    • The absence of specialized roles for mineral diplomacy in key missions hampers effective engagement.
  • Insufficient Sustainable Partnerships: India’s collaborations are yet to mature into long-term, sustainable partnerships.
  • Absence of a Clear Supply Chain Strategy: A comprehensive critical mineral supply chain strategy is missing.

Way  Forward

  • Formulate a clear, long-term strategy that covers exploration, acquisition, processing, and utilization of critical minerals.
  • Strengthening ties with trusted partners like the EU, South Korea, and Quad members is crucial for enhancing supply chain resilience.
  • India needs to formulate policies considering national security and growth prospects to de-risk mineral acquisition.
  • Ensure that India’s mineral acquisition strategy prioritizes environmental and ethical standards.

Sharing is caring!

About the Author

I, Sakshi Gupta, am a content writer to empower students aiming for UPSC, PSC, and other competitive exams. My objective is to provide clear, concise, and informative content that caters to your exam preparation needs. I strive to make my content not only informative but also engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your journey!

TOPICS: