India is increasingly emerging as a confident global player in advanced technologies and strategic materials, rather than simply following technological models developed elsewhere, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said.
Addressing the Special Plenary of the 3rd Global Summit on Advanced Materials, Critical Minerals & Metals in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted the growing importance of critical minerals in shaping India’s energy security, industrial competitiveness and national security.
Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at the India Habitat Centre, the summit focused on the theme “Building Resilient Value Chains for a Sustainable and Competitive Future.” The event brought together representatives from government, industry, research institutions and international organisations to discuss strategies for strengthening critical mineral and advanced material value chains.
Critical Minerals Vital for Future Technologies
Dr. Singh said the global economy is undergoing a major transformation driven by clean energy, electric mobility, semiconductors, telecommunications, aerospace, defence and nuclear energy. These sectors are expected to significantly increase demand for critical minerals and advanced materials.
He emphasised that India must develop capabilities across the entire value chain, covering exploration, extraction, refining, processing, engineering and manufacturing. While making effective use of domestic resources, India should also leverage international resources and partnerships to build resilient supply chains and develop technologies that meet global standards.
The Minister called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, with industry playing a central role. According to him, international cooperation must go hand in hand with stronger domestic technological capabilities.
Private Sector Participation in Strategic Areas
Highlighting reforms in strategic sectors, Dr. Singh pointed to the growing role of private industry in areas that were traditionally restricted. He particularly referred to the opening of the nuclear sector to private participation, describing it as a significant shift in India’s approach to strategic technology and investment.
He invited international investors and companies, including those from Canada and other countries, to explore opportunities emerging from the changing framework. Greater foreign collaboration, he said, can complement increased participation by Indian industry.
The Minister also highlighted the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, noting that the initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has entered the implementation phase. He said the fund could encourage private-sector investment in strategic research and technologies where industry participation has traditionally been limited.
Stronger Industry-Research Linkages
Dr. Singh stressed the importance of connecting research with industry at an early stage. Potential industrial partners should be involved from the beginning of research and innovation programmes so that projects remain aligned with market requirements and have stronger prospects for commercialisation.
He called for closer cooperation among government agencies, research institutions, industries, startups, investors and other stakeholders to create a sustainable ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Minister also urged greater financial support for research. He said India needs to develop a stronger culture of philanthropy for scientific research and encouraged leading business houses to view support for knowledge creation as an important contribution to society and humanity.
Turning Waste into Productive Resources
Citing the use of steel slag in road construction, Dr. Singh highlighted how technological innovation and government-industry cooperation can transform materials previously considered waste into valuable resources.
He said the experience demonstrates that materials need not necessarily be treated as waste when innovative technologies can unlock their productive potential.
Dr. Singh outlined five broad priorities for India’s strategic materials and technology ecosystem: increased investment in research and innovation, stronger domestic capabilities for energy security, deeper stakeholder partnerships, adoption of global and recycling models, and greater philanthropy for research.
He emphasised that strengthening domestic capabilities will become increasingly important as the world transitions towards cleaner energy and India seeks to reduce vulnerabilities arising from excessive external dependence.
Concluding his address, Dr. Singh said India is entering an important phase of its technological journey, with significant opportunities in advanced materials, critical minerals, nuclear energy, space and other strategic sectors. He expressed confidence that partnerships based on integrity and shared objectives among government, industry, researchers, startups, investors and international partners will help India secure a stronger position in the global technology landscape.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
