New Delhi [India], November 6 (ANI): Chile’s Ambassador to India, Juan Angulo, described the India-Chile collaboration on lithium as holding a “very promising future,” underscoring Santiago’s intent to play a deeper role in India’s lithium-based product ecosystem.
“I think it is a very promising future. We have to find intelligent ways of collaboration,” Angulo told ANI. He added that Chile aims to participate in the value chain of lithium product production rather than exporting raw materials alone. “It’s important not to rely only on raw materials and export them as they are. Part of the development, industrialisation, and technology innovation needs to add value to the product. We will find common ground with India in doing so,” he said.
Chile holds one of the world’s largest lithium reserves, positioning it as a critical partner for India’s energy transition and clean technology ambitions. India launched the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to strengthen self-reliance in critical minerals, including lithium. Under the mission, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) will conduct 1,200 exploration projects from 2024–25 to 2030–31, with a proposed expenditure of Rs. 16,300 crore and expected investments of Rs. 18,000 crore from public sector undertakings and other stakeholders.
The mission also aims to secure 1,000 patents by 2030 and establish seven Centres of Excellence to drive innovation in exploration and extraction. Additionally, a Rs. 1,500 crore incentive scheme has been approved to boost recycling capacity for critical minerals.
Critical minerals are essential for economic development, national security, and the global transition to a low-carbon economy. They are indispensable for clean energy technologies, high-tech electronics, transport, telecommunications, and defence, but are often vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. In 2023, India identified 30 critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, copper, rare earth elements, and others, as part of its strategy to ensure a secure and resilient supply chain. (ANI)
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