As monsoon rains sweep across the country, Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal has sounded the alarm on a silent but costly threat to India’s infrastructure and economy: corrosion. In a widely-shared social media post, Agarwal revealed that rusting of iron and steel causes an economic loss equivalent to 5 per cent of India’s GDP every year—an avoidable yet under-addressed challenge.“Everything made of iron or steel is prone to rusting due to wetness and moisture. The solution lies in galvanisation, where steel is coated with zinc,” he wrote.Zinc: India’s Unsung Industrial ProtectorAgarwal framed zinc as both a national protector and a future-critical mineral, essential for India’s infrastructure and clean energy ambitions. Galvanised steel, he noted, is not only resistant to heat, moisture, pollutants, and mechanical damage, but also offers significant cost savings by reducing maintenance needs and extending asset lifespans.He pointed to Hindustan Zinc Limited—Vedanta’s subsidiary and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer—as a key player in this effort, already promoting galvanisation across infrastructure, mobility, and green tech sectors.“Zinc is not just about rust prevention—it’s an economic imperative,” Agarwal said.Global Standards, Indian GapsWhile international markets such as North America, Europe, China, and Japan galvanise over 90 per cent of vehicle bodies, India lags significantly, with just 0–25 per cent of vehicles using zinc-coated steel. With steel comprising over 70 per cent of most vehicle bodies, India’s automotive sector remains highly vulnerable to corrosion.India’s 7,800-kilometre coastline, combined with high levels of humidity and pollution, creates a severe environment for corrosion, particularly during the monsoon season. By contrast, countries like Japan and Australia have brought GDP losses due to corrosion down to under 1.5 per cent through widespread zinc usage.Galvanisation for a Developed IndiaAs India targets 300 million tonnes of steel production annually and progresses toward becoming a developed economy, Agarwal stressed that galvanisation must be mainstreamed to reduce overheads and maintenance costs across the country’s infrastructure boom.He also highlighted zinc’s growing relevance in clean technology, noting its potential use as an alternative to lithium in next-generation batteries—a key driver for India’s energy transition.“This is not merely an industry advisory,” he concluded, “it’s about protecting national wealth, building resilient infrastructure, and ensuring future-readiness.”