India and Canada Forge Stronger Ties in Clean Energy and Manufacturing
In a significant move to enhance bilateral cooperation, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, engaged in high-level talks with a Canadian delegation led by H.E. Mr. Tim Hodgson, the Minister of Natural Resources, Canada. The meeting, held at Udyog Bhawan in New Delhi, aimed to bolster collaboration in critical minerals, clean mobility, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable industrial development, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and achieving Net Zero targets by 2070.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
Minister Kumaraswamy emphasized the strategic necessity of strengthening India-Canada ties in emerging sectors and sustainable technologies. He highlighted India’s growing importance in the global automotive and electric mobility markets, noting the country’s position among the leading manufacturers of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and electric transport.
“With initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) Scheme, India has seen the adoption of over 1.6 million electric vehicles and has established more than 10,900 public charging stations across the nation,” Kumaraswamy stated. He further referenced the PM E-DRIVE Scheme and PM e-Bus Sewa initiative as transformative programs that support various electric vehicle categories and essential infrastructure.
A Focus on Critical Minerals
The discussions primarily revolved around developing a resilient and secure battery manufacturing ecosystem. Kumaraswamy announced an ambitious incentive program of nearly USD 2 billion aimed at enhancing indigenous capabilities in Advanced Chemistry Cells. He expressed appreciation for Canada’s strengths in critical minerals and their processing abilities, which are vital for establishing robust supply chains.
Moreover, he pointed out that the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) is currently exploring coal reserves in Canada to boost India’s steel manufacturing capacity and to reinforce long-term energy security.
Canada’s Response and Commitment
In response, Minister Hodgson praised India’s rapid advancements in innovative technologies and clean mobility solutions. He articulated Canada’s willingness to share advanced battery technologies and acknowledged the significant contributions made by Indian private sector companies in electric mobility and manufacturing.
Hodgson also expressed Canada’s eagerness to assist India’s efforts for lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements, crucial for the green energy transition.
Concrete Steps for Future Collaboration
The meeting included in-depth discussions about coordinating efforts in battery cell manufacturing, research into next-generation batteries, and establishing clean mobility solutions. Senior officials from the Indian Ministry of Heavy Industries and Ministry of Steel participated actively in these talks, showcasing the Indian government’s dedication to fostering this partnership.
Both parties concluded their discussions on a positive note, agreeing on structured follow-up mechanisms and technical collaborations in the coming months. “Together, we are creating a clean, resilient, and self-reliant automotive ecosystem, positioning India as a global hub for sustainable mobility,” Kumaraswamy concluded, reaffirming the commitment to a long-term strategic partnership focused on sustainability, innovation, and growth.
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