The National Critical Minerals Mission emphasizes acquiring international mineral assets and enhancing partnerships. CSEP’s paper outlines strategic frameworks for India to collaborate with African nations on critical minerals. It employs interviews and consultations to identify synergies and offers nine policy pathways to implement effective partnerships. The paper recommends establishing a task force for enhanced cooperation and private sector engagement in the SADC region.
India’s National Critical Minerals Mission, launched in January 2025, emphasizes the necessity of acquiring critical mineral assets internationally, enhancing trade with resource-rich nations, and establishing partnerships in critical minerals. However, it lacks clarity on implementation strategies across specific geographies.
CSEP, a prominent Indian think tank, recently published a paper titled “India, Africa, and Critical Minerals: Towards a Green Energy Partnership,” authored by Dr. Veda Vaidyanathan. This document outlines a strategic framework for India’s mineral strategy in collaboration with African nations, detailing the rationale, location, and methods for forming such partnerships.
The paper employs a comprehensive methodology that incorporates interviews and consultations with policymakers, industry experts, civil society, and researchers. It highlights African aspirations alongside Indian interests, identifying potential synergies through nine proposed policy pathways in the evolving landscape of critical minerals.
Dr. Vaidyanathan noted, “In an era that could be dominated by the geopolitics of a green energy transition, this study emphasizes how recognizing African priorities and aligning Indian interests would support New Delhi’s ambitions to diversify and strengthen its critical mineral supply chains.”
To foster collaboration, the Indian government may consider establishing a task force to draft a white paper. This document would provide insight into how Indian companies of various sizes might engage with different African countries within the mining ecosystem, navigating competitive challenges and suggesting risk mitigation strategies.
Developing credible research frameworks between India and Africa can help pinpoint gaps and opportunities. The paper suggests that India can leverage its existing knowledge networks, including ICT centers in nations like Tanzania and Ghana, to facilitate such research endeavors.
In the long run, it is recommended that the private sector mobilizes capital to invest in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), pursue exploration licenses, and establish joint ventures. Furthermore, a “Critical Minerals Compact” could be proposed during the next India–Africa Forum Summit.
India’s position as a prominent voice in the Global South and as a bridge between developing and developed nations empowers it to lead constructive global collaborations on responsible sourcing of critical minerals.
The paper elucidates several strategic pathways for India to align its mineral interests with African priorities, demonstrating potential avenues for cooperation. Key recommendations include establishing a focused task force, enhancing research collaborations, and engaging the private sector for investment in the SADC region. The findings underscore India’s capacity to play a leading role in the global mineral supply chain while contributing positively to African development.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
