India Calls for Equitable Access to Critical Minerals at UN High-Level Meeting
India has underscored the importance of building a fair, resilient, and sustainable global framework for critical energy transition minerals during the United Nations High-Level Meeting on the subject. Addressing the plenary session, India’s Permanent Representative highlighted the growing significance of these strategic resources in achieving global climate goals while ensuring that developing nations are not left behind in the clean energy transformation.
The statement emphasized that minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements have become indispensable for technologies powering the global energy transition. From electric vehicles and advanced batteries to renewable energy systems and modern power grids, these resources are increasingly central to the world’s shift toward low-carbon development.
India called for greater international cooperation to strengthen supply chains, promote responsible mining practices, and encourage transparent, rules-based trade in critical minerals. The country stressed that access to these essential resources should remain reliable, affordable, and free from unnecessary disruptions that could hinder sustainable economic growth.
Highlighting the needs of developing economies, India advocated for technology sharing, capacity building, and investment partnerships that enable countries to participate meaningfully across the entire critical minerals value chain. The statement argued that equitable access to financing, innovation, and processing technologies is vital for ensuring an inclusive global energy transition.
The Indian delegation also reaffirmed the importance of environmental stewardship and community welfare in mineral development. Sustainable extraction practices, responsible resource management, and respect for local communities were identified as essential pillars of long-term mineral security and climate action.
Recognizing the interconnected nature of energy security and economic development, India encouraged stronger multilateral collaboration among governments, international organizations, industry, and research institutions. Such cooperation, it noted, can help diversify supply sources, reduce vulnerabilities, and foster resilient global markets capable of supporting the accelerating demand for clean energy technologies.
As countries worldwide expand investments in renewable energy and electric mobility, the availability of critical minerals is expected to play an increasingly decisive role in shaping the future of global energy systems. India’s intervention at the United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to a balanced approach that promotes sustainability, inclusivity, resilience, and shared prosperity while advancing the international transition toward cleaner sources of energy.
