The Daily Edge

India's future in EVs, batteries, solar energy, green hydrogen and energy storage will not be decided only by demand, capital or policy. It will also be decided by who controls the underlying supply chains. Today, a significant part of the global ecosystem for critical minerals, battery materials, refining, manufacturing equipment and process know how is concentrated in China. This is not a criticism. It is a recognition of decades of planning, investment and execution that have made China the dominant player in several strategic industries. For India, the lesson is clear. Strategic industries cannot depend indefinitely on external supply chains. We must accelerate domestic capabilities in mining, refining, advanced materials, manufacturing equipment, technology and R&D with urgency and consistency. In the 21st century, strategic influence is exercised not only at borders but also through technology, supply chains, critical minerals and manufacturing ecosystems. Excessive dependence in any of these areas can become a strategic vulnerability. Energy security, economic security and national security are increasingly becoming one and the same. The goal is not isolation. The goal is resilience. India does not need to replace the world. But India must build sufficient domestic capability so that its growth story is never hostage to external dependencies. The sooner we do it, the stronger India will be. 🇮🇳