A Critical Analysis of India’s Critical Mineral Policy: Availability, Accessibility, and Required Policy Interventions

India is the fastest-growing major economy and aims to become Net Zero by 2070 by expanding renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions. There is an increase in domestic demand for critical minerals as India aims to achieve a target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, while the Indian digital economy is set to grow at 20% of GDP by 2030. The surge in demand for critical minerals has underscored its role in the country’s industrial and economic development, national security as well as the goal of achieving “Net Zero”. The importance of critical minerals in India has also been echoed by the Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, “Self-reliance is not possible without a strong mining and minerals sector, because minerals and mining are important pillars of our economy”. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive framework to boost India’s critical mineral drive. India faces a significant challenge due to limited reserves, making the nation heavily reliant on imports and thereby vulnerable to global price fluctuations, geopolitical factors, and supply chain disruptions. India’s G20 Presidency presented a significant opportunity to address the challenges faced by developing countries and promote increased collaboration with developed nations possessing the required technology and financial resources. This chapter studies and develops a comprehensive framework involving ways to increase public–private sector participation, international partnerships, and adherence to high standards of domestic exploration to secure India’s critical mineral supply chain for sustainable economic growth and technological advancement.