Critical Materials Will Shape India’s Strategic Future: NITI Aayog member Dr. V.K. Saraswat in Jamshedpur

CSIR-NML marks 75 years with insightful talk on critical materials and national self-reliance

Jamshedpur, July 2: As part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), Jamshedpur, hosted the fifth lecture in its commemorative series on Tuesday. The lecture was delivered by Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, Government of India, who spoke on the theme “Critical Materials for India’s Strategic Future.”

The event began with a welcome address by CSIR-NML Director Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, who reflected on the institution’s 75-year journey since its formal inauguration by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on 26th November 1950.

Dr. Saraswat congratulated CSIR-NML on completing 75 years of service to the nation and praised its enduring contribution to metallurgical and materials science research. In his lecture, he underscored the growing strategic importance of critical materials for India’s technological and economic future, especially in the context of the government’s Viksit Bharat (Developed India) vision.

He noted that critical materials are indispensable for sustainable technologies, including electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines. Highlighting global trends, Dr. Saraswat explained the challenges associated with securing, refining, and processing these resources, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions and environmental concerns.

A key portion of his talk focused on the National Critical Mineral Mission 2025, which outlines India’s roadmap for securing critical raw materials. He discussed gaps in supply and demand, policy initiatives, and proposed investments aimed at ensuring India’s self-reliance in this vital sector.

Dr. Saraswat also advocated for a circular economy approach and emphasized the potential for CSIR-NML to lead innovation in areas such as low-grade ore processing, secondary resource valorisation, and the integration of artificial intelligence for optimizing material use.

Concluding his address, Dr. Saraswat shared personal recollections of collaborative projects with CSIR-NML, highlighting the lab’s legacy of excellence and innovation.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, with enthusiastic participation from researchers, industry experts, and students. The lecture reinforced CSIR-NML’s pivotal role in shaping India’s future through advanced research and strategic collaborations.