India G20 Critical Minerals: Securing Global Resilience

FAQs
What are critical minerals and why are they so important globally?
Critical minerals are essential raw materials vital for modern technologies, including renewable energy systems (e.g., EV batteries, wind turbines), advanced electronics, and defense applications. Their importance stems from their scarcity, concentration in a few countries, and the crucial role they play in the clean energy transition, economic development, and national security worldwide.
What is India's primary objective in championing critical minerals at the G20?
India's primary objective is to drive global cooperation towards building diversified, secure, and resilient critical minerals supply chains. This initiative aims to reduce over-reliance on single sources, mitigate geopolitical risks, and ensure stable access to these vital resources for all nations, thereby supporting global economic stability and sustainable development.
How does the focus on critical minerals contribute to the global clean energy transition?
Critical minerals are indispensable components in key clean energy technologies. For example, lithium and cobalt are vital for electric vehicle batteries, while rare earth elements are crucial for wind turbine generators and solar panels. By securing their supply, India's G20 push directly supports the acceleration of the global transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
What are the geopolitical implications associated with critical mineral supply chains?
The concentrated geographical distribution of critical minerals and their processing creates significant geopolitical leverage for producer nations. Disruptions, trade restrictions, or political instability in these regions can severely impact global industries. India's G20 efforts seek to de-risk these dependencies by promoting diversified sourcing, international partnerships, and responsible resource diplomacy to foster global resilience.