India-UK Launch Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory
The India–UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO) has officially opened its doors in New Delhi. The launch event was presided over by G. Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister of Coal and Mines for India, and Yvette Cooper, the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. This initiative represents a crucial step forward in the cooperation between India and the United Kingdom regarding critical minerals and supply chain resilience.
With over a hundred participants, the occasion saw attendance from senior officials of India’s Ministry of Mines, representatives from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs as well as officials from both the British High Commission in India and the Government of the United Kingdom. Delegates from academia and industry, including TEXMiN, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and the University of Cambridge, were also present to lend their expertise.
During his address, Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the role of critical minerals as essential components in modern economies and in enabling clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, and electric mobility. He emphasized that this newly established observatory will enhance India’s proficiency in critical mineral supply chain intelligence, enabling better policymaking decisions and bolstering the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).
Reddy articulated that this initiative indicates India’s dedication to crafting resilient and diverse critical mineral value chains while fostering international collaboration with trustworthy partners. His statements reinforced the notion that securing a steady supply of critical minerals is paramount for both nations, notably in the face of evolving technological demands.
In her remarks, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed the minister’s sentiments, stressing the importance of India-UK collaboration in establishing sustainable supply chains. She mentioned that ensuring both nations have greater access to critical minerals and enhancing information dissemination is mutually beneficial and will significantly contribute to economic growth.
Cooper noted that this partnership could lay the groundwork for expanded cooperation across the critical minerals sector and related industries. The GSCO is a collaborative effort among TEXMiN, the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, and the University of Cambridge to create a comprehensive, data-driven platform aimed at monitoring and analyzing global critical mineral supply chains.
This initiative, first announced during a bilateral engagement between the two Prime Ministers in October 2025, was solidified through a Research Collaboration Agreement in March 2026. Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of TEXMiN’s Governing Board, emphasized the strategic relevance of this observatory in support of both the National Critical Mineral Mission and the India–UK Technology Security Initiative.
Moreover, a live demonstration of the observatory showcased its capabilities, allowing for the monitoring of global critical mineral supply chains while identifying potential supply risks. This platform aims to generate valuable market intelligence and assist policymakers, industries, and researchers in making informed decisions regarding supply chain security.
The GSCO is poised to enhance the partnership between India and the UK in the realm of critical minerals and fortify efforts towards creating a secure, sustainable, and resilient global supply chain.
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