India’s National Critical Minerals Mission signals a commitment to securing international mineral assets, particularly in Africa. Dr. Veda Vaidyanathan’s paper outlines strategies for strengthening these ties through research collaborations and private sector engagement, emphasizing mutual benefits and the importance of aligning interests. Short-term actions include creating a task force to guide company involvement, while long-term plans suggest forming a ‘Critical Minerals Compact’ with SADC nations.
India’s National Critical Minerals Mission, announced in January 2025, highlights the need for acquiring critical mineral resources internationally, enhancing trade and investment with resource-abundant countries, and forming Critical Mineral Partnership Agreements. However, this framework lacks specifics for execution in various geographic landscapes.
Recently published by India’s CSEP think tank, Dr. Veda Vaidyanathan’s paper titled “India, Africa and Critical Minerals: Towards a Green Energy Partnership” outlines strategic recommendations for India’s approach to critical minerals in Africa. The paper aims to clarify the rationale, optimal regions, and implementation methods for India’s partnerships with mineral-rich African nations.
Employing a unique methodology that includes interviews and consultations with policymakers, industry experts, and researchers, the paper assesses synergies between African priorities and Indian interests. It delineates these insights into nine actionable policy pathways given the rapidly evolving global critical minerals landscape.
Vaidyanathan emphasizes the importance of aligning African priorities with Indian strategic interests, stating, “recognizing African priorities and aligning Indian interests, far from being altruistic, would in fact support New Delhi’s ambitions to diversify and strengthen its critical mineral supply chains.”
For short-term strategies, the paper suggests forming a task force with the existing Inter-Ministerial Group on Critical Minerals to draft a white paper. This document would analyze the potential involvement of various Indian companies in the African mining value chain and provide solutions to navigate competitive environments.
Further recommendations include strengthening India-Africa research initiatives to uncover gaps and opportunities. Establishing connections among research institutes and leveraging existing networks in nations like Tanzania and Ghana will facilitate this effort.
Looking ahead, the private sector should be engaged to invest in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This could entail obtaining exploration licenses, forming joint ventures, or establishing refineries, with a proposed “Critical Minerals Compact” at the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit.
As a prominent voice of the Global South, India is in a prime position to facilitate global partnerships for responsible sourcing of critical minerals. The country’s approach to these partnerships can significantly influence its geopolitical stance and economic prosperity.
India’s strategic engagement with Africa for critical minerals offers mutual benefits. By establishing partnerships that resonate with African priorities and leveraging India’s unique international positioning, India can secure vital resources necessary for its green energy ambitions. Long-term strategies that include private sector mobilization and cooperative frameworks will enhance not only resource availability but also geopolitical alliances in a crucial sector for the future.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
