Citing the importance of critical minerals for the growth of the Indian economy, Union Minister CR Patil on Friday warned that future conflicts between nations may not be over territory or hydrocarbons, but over access to critical minerals that are key for clean energy, electric mobility and advanced manufacturing.
“There was a time when wars were waged for ownership of land. Then wars were fought for oil. Today the time has come when future wars between two nations could be over critical minerals,” Patil said while addressing a “Rashtriya Khanij Chintan Shibir” held in Gujarat’s state capital Gandhinagar. His remarks come amid intensifying global competition for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements—key inputs for batteries, renewable energy storage, semiconductors and defence technologies. India too has launched a National Critical Mineral Mission which is aimed at securing the country’s long term need for minerals essential for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence and high-technology sectors.
While critical minerals dominate future energy discussions, Patil also highlighted a more immediate concern related to coal. Pointing to India’s abundant coal reserves, the minister noted that certain countries are attempting to restrict products manufactured using coal-based energy, raising concerns about carbon-linked trade barriers. “There are some countries who are trying to stop our progress by imposing restrictions on products made using coal,” he said. “You might wonder how this is possible. But some countries are trying to do this to stop India’s progress,” said the minister for Jal Shakti without naming the countries.
Speaking about the long gestation period about mining assets in India, Union minister for Coal and mines, G Kishan Reddy said, “A mine that gets auctioned today takes five to seven years to become operational,” Reddy said. “So the focus should be on reducing time for exploration, clearances, land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation. This is important because we are in competition with other countries.”
“Looking at the global competition and geopolitics surrounding critical minerals, it is important to see how to strengthen India and make it self-reliant,” Reddy added at the event where Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel was also present.
Published on January 9, 2026
