Green Strategic Partnerships and critical mineral diplomacy have emerged as new pillars of India's foreign policy in a multipolar world. Examine.

GS2 International Relations
Green Strategic Partnerships and critical mineral diplomacy have emerged as new pillars of India's foreign policy in a multipolar world. Examine.

Examine

  • 10 marks
  • 8 min
  • 150 words
  • Medium

The Hindu

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Introduction

The global transition toward clean energy, digital technologies, and sustainable industrial systems has increased the strategic importance of green technologies and critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. In this context, Green Strategic Partnerships and critical mineral diplomacy have emerged as important pillars of India’s foreign policy in an increasingly multipolar world.

Rise of Green Strategic Partnerships

Green Strategic Partnerships involve cooperation in:

  • Renewable energy
  • Green hydrogen
  • Climate finance
  • Sustainable technologies
  • Clean supply chains

India has expanded such partnerships to achieve:

  • Energy security
  • Climate commitments
  • Technological self-reliance
  • Strategic diversification

Key Examples

  • India–EU Trade and Technology Council focuses on green technologies and resilient supply chains.
  • The India–UAE partnership includes cooperation in renewable energy and green hydrogen.
  • Under the International Solar Alliance (ISA), India has emerged as a leader in global solar diplomacy.
  • India’s collaboration with countries like Japan, France, and Australia includes clean energy and sustainable infrastructure initiatives.

Critical Mineral Diplomacy

Strategic Importance

  • Critical minerals are essential for:

    • Electric vehicles (EVs)
    • Batteries
    • Semiconductors
    • Defence systems
    • Renewable energy infrastructure

  • Uneven geographical distribution of these minerals has intensified geopolitical competition.

India’s Diplomatic Initiatives

  • India joined the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) to diversify supply chains.

  • India has strengthened ties with:

    • Australia for lithium and cobalt
    • Argentina and Chile for lithium reserves
    • African countries for cobalt and rare earths

  • KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd.) has been established to acquire overseas mineral assets.

Domestic Measures Supporting Diplomacy

  • Launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission.

  • Promotion of:

    • Battery manufacturing
    • EV ecosystem
    • Recycling of critical minerals
    • Atmanirbhar Bharat in strategic sectors

Significance in a Multipolar World

  • Reduces excessive dependence on single-country supply chains, especially China.

  • Enhances India’s strategic autonomy and bargaining power.

  • Positions India as a key player in:

    • Global energy transition
    • Indo-Pacific geopolitics
    • Sustainable development governance

Challenges

  • Limited domestic reserves and refining capacity.
  • Intense geopolitical competition over resource-rich regions.
  • Environmental concerns related to mining activities.

Conclusion

Thus, Green Strategic Partnerships and critical mineral diplomacy have become central to India’s foreign policy by linking sustainability with strategic and economic interests. In a multipolar world, these initiatives strengthen India’s energy security, technological resilience, and geopolitical influence while supporting its transition toward a green economy.