A NITI Aayog panel has urged a concerted public-private push to boost India's self-reliance in critical minerals, saying a coordinated effort is needed to secure inputs for emerging technologies and strategic industries. The panel recommended a comprehensive national strategy that prioritises mapping of resources, development of domestic supply chains and investment in processing and value addition. It said that strengthening domestic capacities would reduce vulnerability to global supply disruptions and support industrial growth.

The recommendations covered exploration, secure logistics, processing facilities and recycling programmes to recover critical elements from end of life products, emphasising circularity and environmental safeguards. The panel called for geoscientific mapping and data sharing across agencies to create a transparent inventory that can inform investment and policy decisions. It also highlighted the need for modernisation of mining practices and stricter enforcement of environmental norms alongside community engagement.

To attract investment and technology, the panel recommended fiscal incentives, streamlined approvals and clear rules for public-private partnership (PPP) models that can support mineral processing, downstream manufacturing and export readiness. It urged targeted support for research and development, skill development programmes and pilot projects to demonstrate commercially viable recycling and substitution. The panel suggested establishing strategic reserves and facilitation of long term offtake arrangements to provide supply stability to critical sectors.

The panel recommended coordinated engagement with international partners to secure technology transfer, joint ventures and resilient supply chains while safeguarding national interests and environmental standards. It advised that policy makers consider an integrated implementation plan with milestones, monitoring mechanisms and incentives to ensure timely action and private sector participation. The report called for regular review and adaptation of the strategy as market dynamics and technology evolve, and it urged early government response to translate recommendations into concrete programmes.