Now Uzbekistan After Australia: Why India Is Racing to Secure Uranium and Critical Minerals

New Delhi: After strengthening its engagement with Australia for access to critical minerals and uranium resources, India is now looking towards Uzbekistan as part of a broader strategy to secure essential raw materials needed for energy security, advanced technology and the clean energy transition.

India’s growing economy and expanding energy requirements have increased the need for a reliable supply of uranium for its nuclear power programme. At the same time, minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and rare earth elements are becoming increasingly important for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, batteries, electronics and strategic industries.

Uzbekistan, which possesses significant mineral resources and is an important uranium-producing nation, has emerged as a potential partner in India’s efforts to diversify its access to critical raw materials. Expanding cooperation could help India reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities and secure long-term access to strategically important resources.

The push comes as countries around the world compete to establish secure supply chains for minerals that will play a major role in the global transition towards cleaner energy and advanced manufacturing. Heavy dependence on a limited number of suppliers has raised concerns over supply disruptions, price volatility and geopolitical risks.

Australia has already become an important strategic partner for India in the areas of critical minerals and natural resources. By widening its network to include countries such as Uzbekistan, India is seeking to build a more diversified and resilient supply chain.

The strategy is also linked to India’s long-term plans to expand nuclear power capacity, boost domestic manufacturing and accelerate the transition towards electric mobility and renewable energy.

As global competition for uranium and critical minerals intensifies, India’s diplomatic and economic outreach is increasingly focused on securing overseas resources, developing strategic partnerships and ensuring that future growth is not constrained by shortages of essential raw materials.