Policy Context and Strategic Objectives
On October 16, 2025, the Government of India announced plans to establish a National Critical Minerals Stockpile, part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s industrial resilience and reduce import dependence amid volatile global markets. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Mines in coordination with the NITI Aayog and the Department of Economic Affairs, seeks to ensure a stable domestic supply of essential resources such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. Officials described the move as critical to supporting India’s clean-energy transition, electric-vehicle manufacturing, and emerging technologies sector.
Economic Scope and Implementation Framework
The stockpile will function as both a strategic reserve and a procurement platform, modeled after India’s petroleum reserves and aligned with the upcoming National Mineral Security Policy 2025. It will be funded through a mix of public investment, strategic partnerships, and private-sector participation from leading mining and metals firms. Authorities plan to source materials through long-term offtake agreements and overseas joint ventures, especially in Africa, Latin America, and Australia. The initiative reflects India’s recognition that access to critical minerals has become a strategic imperative for manufacturing competitiveness and energy security.
Strategic Outlook and Global Positioning
India’s stockpile aligns with its broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision, aiming to anchor the country in the global critical-minerals supply chain. The policy also complements bilateral partnerships under the India–Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership and the U.S.–India Strategic Trade Dialogue, which seek to build shared resilience in raw-material sourcing. Analysts note that if successfully implemented, the program could position India as a regional hub for mineral processing and battery- component manufacturing, while offering a counterbalance to China’s dominance in global refining. The stockpile thus represents a strategic step toward securing the materials that will power the next generation of India’s industrial growth.