National Security and Technological Sovereignty at the Core of Discussions in New Delhi.
India’s Light Combat Aircraft LCA Tejas.
In a landmark discussion on the strategic importance of critical minerals, the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), hosted a high-level roundtable titled “Minerals That Matter: Geopolitics, Sovereignty & Value Chains” on December 17, 2025, in New Delhi. The event brought together policymakers, defence experts, industry leaders, and academic professionals to deliberate on the role of critical minerals in national security, defense preparedness, and technological sovereignty.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that critical minerals have become essential enablers for the development of modern defence systems and national security. He outlined the deep dependency of jet engines, missiles, precision munitions, radars, satellites, batteries, and semiconductors on these strategic minerals, stating that assured access to these resources is fundamental for India’s defense capabilities.
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Strategic Vulnerabilities in Global Supply Chains
Air Marshal Dixit drew attention to the growing geopolitical challenges surrounding the global supply chains for critical minerals. With mineral resources concentrated in a few regions of the world, he noted, export controls and geopolitical tensions can severely disrupt the flow of these essential materials. He warned that India’s excessive reliance on mineral imports poses a significant strategic vulnerability.
“Self-reliant defense manufacturing and operational readiness are inextricably linked to secure and resilient supply chains for critical minerals,” said Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit. He emphasized that the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India) vision and the “Viksit Bharat 2047” (Developed India by 2047) roadmap are closely tied to India’s ability to control its mineral supply chains and reduce dependency on foreign sources.
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India’s Strategic Initiatives for Mineral Security
India’s Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher System.
The Air Marshal also highlighted several national efforts to secure India’s mineral supply chains and build long-term resilience. These include:
The identification of critical minerals crucial for defense and technological sovereignty.
The establishment of the National Critical Mineral Mission, aimed at ensuring a sustainable and secure supply of these minerals.
A comprehensive push by the government to enhance the entire mineral value chain, including extraction, processing, manufacturing, and recycling of critical minerals.
These initiatives, Air Marshal Dixit stressed, are vital to realizing India’s defense and industrial goals and translating policy intentions into tangible results.
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Inauguration of Technical Reports and Collaborative Research
As part of the event, Air Marshal Dixit inaugurated a collection of 30 technical reports on critical minerals, which featured in-depth IP landscape studies and market analyses. These reports provide comprehensive insights into the global trends and intellectual property (IP) considerations surrounding the extraction, processing, and usage of critical minerals.
The reports will serve as valuable resources for Indian industries and research institutions, helping to inform strategic decisions and foster innovation in the field of mineral security. The IP landscape studies in particular, focus on the competitive edge and intellectual property rights related to critical minerals and their applications in defense technology.
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A Platform for Strategic Dialogue
The invitation-only forum convened senior government officials, experts, industry leaders, defense specialists, and IP professionals to explore India’s strategic approach to critical minerals in a rapidly changing global environment. The roundtable discussions also provided a platform for sharing best practices and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing the challenges associated with securing critical mineral resources.
G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Coal and Mines, Government of India, extended his best wishes to the event, underscoring the government’s commitment to securing India’s access to critical minerals and ensuring that the nation’s defense preparedness and technological sovereignty are not compromised by external factors.
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Securing India’s Future in Defense and Technology
The discussions held during this roundtable event are critical in the context of India’s aspirations to become a global leader in defense technology and innovation. By strengthening the domestic mineral value chain and achieving self-reliance in critical resources, India can ensure that its defense systems remain cutting-edge and its technological sovereignty remains intact. The CENJOWS Tech Talk is a timely reminder that securing critical minerals is not just a matter of economic strategy, but a national security imperative that will shape India’s future preparedness and technological capabilities.
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