Critical minerals essential for developed India 2047 and self-reliance in defense sector: Air Marshal

New Delhi. 23rd December 2025: Developed India 2047- To achieve India’s defense preparedness and the goal of ‘Developed India 2047’, ‘Critical Minerals’ have now become the main strategic pillar of national security. Chief of Integrated Defense Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, while presenting this important fact, said that the foundation of modern military systems rests on the supply of these minerals.

Speaking at a round table program on ‘Minerals that Matter’ organized by the Center for Joint Warfare Studies, Air Marshal Dixit said that cutting-edge technologies like jet engines, missiles, precision munitions, radars, navigation systems, communication satellites, batteries and semiconductors are completely dependent on certain minerals.

He warned that, at present, the global supply chain of these minerals is concentrated only in a few countries. Many countries are now using the export policies of these minerals to bring ‘geopolitical pressure’ on other countries. In such a situation, India’s dependence on imports may prove dangerous for its defense preparedness in future.

Air Marshal Dixit stressed that secure mineral supply is essential for self-reliant defense building and operational readiness. The Government of India is active in this direction and important minerals are being identified at the national level. Efforts have been intensified to strengthen the entire ‘value chain’ from mineral extraction to processing, manufacturing and recycling.

• Release of a collection of 30 technical reports based on critical minerals

During this program, he also released a collection of 30 technical reports based on critical minerals. This report provides detailed study on market analysis and future needs. According to the Defense Ministry, in this high-level meeting, policy makers, defense experts and industry leaders had in-depth discussions on the global scenario.

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