Critical Minerals Essential for Energy Security and National Tech Leadership, Says Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh delivered the keynote address at the Special Plenary of the 3rd Global Summit on Advanced Materials, Critical Minerals, & Metals organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi. Highlighting India's transition from a technology follower to an active global leader, the Minister stated that critical minerals and advanced materials are central to the nation's energy security, industrial competitiveness, and defense capabilities. He emphasized that future technology sectors, including electric mobility, semiconductors, renewable energy, and aerospace, depend directly on resilient supply chains for these vital resources. Dr. Singh advocated for a whole-of-nation framework involving research institutions, government agencies, and private industry right from the initial planning stage of technology development. He noted that opening strategic sectors like nuclear energy and mining to private enterprise will accelerate domestic capabilities, reduce import dependencies, and position India as a major hub for resilient international value chains.