Critical minerals and metals to be driving components of next phase of technological development, says Dr Jitendra Singh

 
Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has said that critical minerals are key to India’s energy security, industrial competitiveness and national security. The Minister said this while addressing a special plenary of the 3rd Global Summit on Advanced Materials, Critical Minerals, and Metals in New Delhi. Dr Singh said that critical minerals and metals will be a driving component of the next phase of technological development, with their importance extending beyond mining to energy security, industrial competitiveness and national security. He said that the global economy is undergoing a paradigm shift, with clean energy, electric mobility, semiconductors, telecommunications, aerospace, defence and nuclear energy emerging as major drivers of technological and industrial transformation. He added, India is now participating in this global discourse with much greater confidence and is preparing to assume a larger global role. 
 
Dr. Singh has called for early industry linkage with research and innovation, saying potential industry partners should be brought on board right from the beginning. He further said that a healthy synergy among research, industry, government and the non-government sector is essential for sustaining startups and entrepreneurs. The Minister also highlighted on building domestic capabilities for energy security as the world moves towards cleaner and greener sources of energy. He said that India’s next phase of growth in strategic technologies and materials will depend on working together of all stakeholders.