New Delhi, May 28: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today emphasized the strategic significance of Jammu and Kashmir’s lithium reserves in advancing India’s clean energy goals, stating that the recently discovered deposits in Reasi district will play a vital role in meeting the nation’s ambitious “Net Zero by 2070” commitment. Addressing the “Battery Summit 2025” in the capital, the Minister underscored the critical need to intensify exploration and harnessing of such untapped resources across the country to build a sustainable and resilient energy future.
Dr. Singh, who holds multiple key portfolios including Science & Technology, Space, and Atomic Energy, highlighted that India’s clean energy transition rests on the foundation of low-carbon technologies and innovation. He noted that tapping into domestic resources like lithium not only enhances energy security but also propels the Indian economy toward becoming the world’s third largest. The discovery in J&K is a game-changing development, he remarked, particularly at a time when global demand for lithium—a crucial component in battery technology—is soaring.
Under the summit’s theme, “Addressing Challenges, Driving Innovation and Scaling Solutions,” the Minister made a compelling case for boosting efforts in innovation-led growth, stressing that unexplored natural reserves coupled with breakthroughs in battery technology will yield both economic dividends and a lower carbon footprint. He hailed the Department of Science and Technology (DST) for its pivotal role in supporting innovations in battery manufacturing, e-mobility, and clean technology, all essential components of India’s green growth strategy.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the Battery Aadhaar Initiative, which Dr. Singh described as a landmark step toward enhancing traceability, efficiency, and scalability in India’s battery ecosystem. He praised this initiative as a vital enabler for India’s clean tech infrastructure, ensuring accountability and performance across the supply chain.
The Minister also reviewed the broader ecosystem of clean energy reforms, citing successful government-led initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells, the PM-eDrive program, and the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) Scheme. These efforts, he said, are accelerating India’s e-mobility goals and laying the groundwork for sustainable transportation.
Dr. Singh pointed to India’s transformational journey in global climate negotiations, evolving from a cautious participant to a recognized leader. This, he said, is reflected in flagship commitments such as Net Zero by 2070, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), and the International Solar Alliance (ISA), all of which have elevated India’s standing in global sustainability forums.
Drawing attention to India’s rapid ascent in innovation and research, the Minister cited the country’s rise from 81st to 39th rank in the Global Innovation Index, and the dramatic expansion of the startup ecosystem—from 350 startups in 2014 to over 1.7 lakh in 2025. This surge has been matched by a 926% increase in DST’s budget, demonstrating the government’s robust investment in science, innovation, and research.
Dr. Singh emphasized that the government is committed to expanding private participation in strategic sectors like space, nuclear energy, and scientific research. He cited the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), where 60% of funding is expected to come from private sources, as a model of public-private synergy. He also mentioned forward-looking missions such as the National Quantum Mission, AI Mission, and National Supercomputing Mission as vital to India’s future scientific leadership.
He laid out three core priorities to sustain India’s momentum: indigenization of key technologies to reduce import dependence, boosting domestic manufacturing to build resilient supply chains and employment opportunities, and creating a robust innovation ecosystem through collaborative frameworks involving academia, industry, and government.
Dr. Singh commended WRI India for its efforts in sustainable development, particularly through the Battery360 Alliance, and acknowledged the valuable contributions of UNEP, NITI Aayog, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Notable attendees included Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST; Ashok Lessels from UNEP; Dr. Anita Gupta of DST; and Madhav Pai, CEO of WRI India. Their presence, he said, underlined the collaborative ethos driving India’s science and sustainability initiatives.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging innovation and natural resources like lithium to lead India toward a greener, self-reliant future—where science, technology, and sustainability go hand in hand.