Topic: Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent)
Q2. How can critical mineral security influence India’s aspirations of becoming a global manufacturing hub? Analyse the major supply-chain risks confronting the country. What should be the key elements of a comprehensive critical minerals strategy? (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
Critical minerals have emerged as a key determinant of industrial competitiveness, energy transition and supply-chain resilience. India’s recent focus on critical mineral missions, recycling and processing capacity.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires examining how critical mineral security can support India’s ambition of becoming a global manufacturing hub, analysing the major supply-chain vulnerabilities facing the country, and outlining the essential pillars of a comprehensive critical minerals strategy.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly define critical minerals and link them to manufacturing, clean energy and strategic industries.
Body
- Role in manufacturing growth: Explain how secure access to critical minerals strengthens industrialisation, localisation and advanced manufacturing ecosystems.
- Supply-chain risks: Discuss the major vulnerabilities arising from import dependence, concentration of supply, technology gaps and processing bottlenecks.
- Comprehensive strategy: Highlight the broad policy pillars needed such as exploration, processing, recycling, international partnerships and innovation.
Conclusion
Emphasise that long-term industrial leadership will depend not merely on mineral availability but on building resilient and integrated critical mineral value chains.
