The National Critical Minerals Mission emphasizes acquiring international mineral assets and enhancing trade with resource-rich nations. A recent CSEP paper provides policy recommendations for India’s engagement in Africa’s mining sector. It suggests creating collaborations, establishing a task force, and fostering private sector investments to develop a strategic partnership focused on mutual benefits in critical minerals supply chains.
The National Critical Minerals Mission, launched in January 2025, emphasizes procuring critical mineral assets internationally, enhancing trade with countries rich in resources, and establishing Critical Mineral Partnership Agreements. However, it lacks detailed strategies for implementation in specific regions.
The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) recently released a report titled “India, Africa and Critical Minerals: Towards a Green Energy Partnership,” authored by Dr. Veda Vaidyanathan. This paper outlines strategic recommendations for India to engage with Africa’s mineral-rich nations.
Utilizing a comprehensive methodology, the paper incorporates insights from interviews and private discussions with policymakers, industry experts, civil society representatives, and academics. It identifies African priorities, aligns them with India’s interests, and suggests collaborative pathways through nine strategic policies.
Dr. Vaidyanathan remarked that as global geopolitics shifts towards green energy, aligning Indian interests with African priorities is crucial. This alignment is essential to support India’s strategic aims in diversifying and fortifying its critical mineral supply chains.
In the immediate future, India could establish a task force comprising the Inter-Ministerial Group on Critical Minerals, industry specialists, and scholars to draft a white paper. This document would examine the potential for Indian companies of all sizes to engage in the mining value chain across various African nations and how they might mitigate competitive pressures.
Additionally, developing strong research collaborations between India and Africa could reveal opportunities for investment and risk management. India can facilitate connections among research institutions and scholars, leveraging its established networks in partner nations, such as the ICT centers in Tanzania and Ghana.
In the long term, private sector investment could be encouraged in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This could include acquiring exploration licenses, forming joint ventures, or establishing refineries. Proposing a “Critical Minerals Compact” focused on SADC at the upcoming India–Africa Forum Summit could also be advantageous.
India’s unique position as a pivotal voice of the Global South enables it to lead internationally in responsible sourcing initiatives for critical minerals, as outlined in the paper.
India’s strategic engagement with Africa regarding critical minerals is crucial, as articulated in the recent CSEP report. Establishing a task force and stimulating private sector investment are immediate steps that could enhance India’s mineral supply chains while aligning with African priorities. Ultimately, these initiatives will bolster India’s position within the global energy transition framework.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
