India Accelerates Clean Energy Transition with Indigenous Focus

Mumbai, April 1: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and other key portfolios, Jitendra Singh, announced on March 27, 2026, that India’s clean energy transition is a crucial part of a broader national strategy. This initiative aims to reduce import dependence, enhance indigenous capabilities, and position India as a leader in the global shift towards sustainability.

Urgent Demand for Critical Minerals

At the Planet C3 Summit on Climate, Circularity, and Community, Singh emphasized that India’s clean energy agenda includes securing essential resources like lithium and rare earth-based permanent magnets. The focus is on boosting domestic manufacturing, fostering innovation, and implementing targeted policy measures.

“India has become a significant global voice in the sustainable development transition. To maintain this status, we must accelerate existing initiatives and launch new ones promptly,” Singh stated, according to an official release from the Ministry of Science and Technology.

He pointed out that sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy, electronics, space, and defense increasingly rely on resources like lithium and permanent magnets, much of which is currently imported.

Singh highlighted the rising demand for permanent magnets, predicting a sharp increase in India’s needs in the coming years. Although domestic production capacity is being expanded, it may not keep pace with demand unless scaling efforts are intensified.

The establishment of the nation’s first indigenous permanent magnet plant in Visakhapatnam, along with ongoing policy measures like a dedicated rare earth magnet policy, aims to strengthen domestic supply chains.

Nuclear Energy for Future Growth

Singh stressed that energy security is vital for India’s technological progress, especially in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence that require a reliable power supply. He noted that nuclear energy is being developed as a dependable source, with the Nuclear Energy Mission targeting a significant capacity increase by 2047 through a phased approach.

The Minister added that the decision to allow broader participation in the nuclear sector signifies a shift towards a more integrated development model, uniting government and non-government stakeholders to expedite progress in critical areas.

Mission-Mode Initiatives Fueling Innovation

Singh outlined the government’s mission-mode strategy for clean energy and technology development, highlighting initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India AI Mission, National Quantum Mission, and biotechnology programs. These efforts are part of a cohesive strategy supported by increased public investment in research and innovation, including the establishment of the National Research Foundation.

He noted that improved collaboration has led to structured platforms facilitating coordination among industry, academia, and government, replacing the previously fragmented systems. These interfaces align research with market needs and accelerate technology deployment across various sectors.

Startups Transforming India’s Tech Landscape

Singh remarked on the rapid growth of startups in India, which are creating jobs and driving technological advancements. He noted that many startups are led by women, reflecting changing dynamics in the innovation ecosystem.

Emphasizing the need for coordinated action, Singh stated that India’s approach balances self-reliance with global engagement, ensuring that advancements in clean energy and emerging technologies align with national priorities and global sustainability objectives.