Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today highlighted India’s ambitious clean energy transition as part of a broader national strategy to reduce import dependence, strengthen domestic capabilities, and play a leading role in the global move towards sustainability.
Speaking at the Planet C3 Summit on Climate, Circularity, and Community, Dr. Singh emphasized that India’s clean energy agenda covers critical areas from securing resources like lithium and rare earth-based permanent magnets to boosting domestic manufacturing, accelerating innovation, and implementing supportive policy measures.
“India has emerged as a key global voice in sustainable development,” Dr. Singh said, adding that accelerated scaling of existing initiatives and the launch of new projects are crucial to maintain this position.
He noted that sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy, electronics, space, and defense are increasingly dependent on critical materials, much of which are currently imported. Domestic capacity is being expanded, including the country’s first indigenous permanent magnet plant in Visakhapatnam, alongside a dedicated rare earth magnet policy to strengthen local supply chains.
Highlighting energy security for emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Singh stressed the central role of nuclear energy in meeting future technology-driven power demands. He said the government is enabling wider participation in the nuclear sector through a collaborative model that brings together public and private stakeholders.
The Minister also detailed India’s mission-mode approach, including initiatives such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission, India AI Mission, National Quantum Mission, and biotechnology programmes, complemented by increased public investment in R&D and institutional mechanisms like the National Research Foundation.
Dr. Singh added that structured platforms connecting industry, academia, and government are helping scale technologies and align research with market needs, while startups—including a growing number led by women—are driving innovation and employment.
“India’s approach balances self-reliance with global engagement,” Dr. Singh said, “ensuring progress in clean energy and advanced technologies contributes to both national development and global sustainability goals.”
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
