NITI Aayog Panel Urges Public-Private Push For Critical Minerals

02 Mar 2026 CW Team

The panel emphasised that global competition and geopolitical risks make diversification of supply and value chain localisation imperative. It noted that many downstream sectors depend on steady supplies and that dependence on external sources exposes the economy to shocks. Strengthening mapping, exploration and domestic processing was identified as central to reducing vulnerability. It underlined the need for better data and geospatial surveys to inform investment decisions and reduce exploration risks.

The recommendations called for incentives to attract investment in mining, processing and recycling, and for fostering technology partnerships and skill development with private firms. The panel advocated regulatory clarity, streamlined approvals and dedicated infrastructure to enable scaling of projects. It also urged measures to promote circular economy approaches and raw material substitution where feasible. The recommendations stressed collaboration on research and development to adapt technologies and lower processing costs.

The panel suggested monitoring mechanisms and periodic reviews to track progress and ensure policy coherence across ministries and states. It argued that a sustained, collaborative effort would support industrial competitiveness, job creation and strategic resilience. The NITI Aayog panel indicated that timely implementation of its suggestions would be pivotal for securing the mineral inputs needed by emerging sectors. Stakeholder consultations and capacity building at local levels were recommended to ensure inclusive benefits and minimise environmental impacts.

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) panel has urged a concerted public-private push to boost India's self-reliance in critical minerals. The panel outlined that enhancing domestic capabilities is essential to secure supply chains for strategic industries. It recommended coordinated action across central and state agencies together with industry stakeholders to accelerate capacity building. The panel framed the issue as central to both economic growth and national security, urging a phased approach to policy implementation. The panel emphasised that global competition and geopolitical risks make diversification of supply and value chain localisation imperative. It noted that many downstream sectors depend on steady supplies and that dependence on external sources exposes the economy to shocks. Strengthening mapping, exploration and domestic processing was identified as central to reducing vulnerability. It underlined the need for better data and geospatial surveys to inform investment decisions and reduce exploration risks. The recommendations called for incentives to attract investment in mining, processing and recycling, and for fostering technology partnerships and skill development with private firms. The panel advocated regulatory clarity, streamlined approvals and dedicated infrastructure to enable scaling of projects. It also urged measures to promote circular economy approaches and raw material substitution where feasible. The recommendations stressed collaboration on research and development to adapt technologies and lower processing costs. The panel suggested monitoring mechanisms and periodic reviews to track progress and ensure policy coherence across ministries and states. It argued that a sustained, collaborative effort would support industrial competitiveness, job creation and strategic resilience. The NITI Aayog panel indicated that timely implementation of its suggestions would be pivotal for securing the mineral inputs needed by emerging sectors. Stakeholder consultations and capacity building at local levels were recommended to ensure inclusive benefits and minimise environmental impacts.

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