PM Modi urges self-reliance in critical minerals & fertilisers

India is pushing ahead with plans to achieve self-sufficiency in critical minerals, with exploration already underway at over 1,200 sites, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his Independence Day address. Speaking from the Red Fort on the nation’s 79th Independence Day, he noted that the global focus on minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements and graphite has grown sharply due to their role in clean energy, electric vehicles, electronics and solar technology.“What did not receive much attention till yesterday is on the centre stage today. Self-reliance in critical minerals is very essential for India as well,” PM Modi said. He explained that these resources are vital for sectors ranging from energy and defence to advanced technology, and highlighted the launch of the National Critical Mission to drive domestic exploration and production.The Prime Minister also linked mineral self-reliance to reducing India’s energy import bill, saying that foreign dependence diverts resources that could otherwise benefit youth, farmers and rural development. “Now we are working towards becoming self-reliant,” he stressed.PM Modi further urged the nation to achieve atma-nirbhar (self-reliance) in fertiliser production, expressing concern over the heavy reliance on imports of urea and phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers. He called on farmers to use nutrients judiciously to protect soil health and curb demand. “Indiscriminate use of fertilisers is damaging our soil,” he warned.According to news agency PTI, India imported 56.47 lakh tonnes of urea in 2024-25, down from 70.42 lakh tonnes the previous year, while DAP imports fell to 45.69 lakh tonnes from 55.67 lakh tonnes. Urea production reached 306.67 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, compared to a record 314.07 lakh tonnes the year before.The Centre provides heavy subsidies, Rs 1,77,129.50 crore in 2024-25, to ensure affordable fertiliser prices, with urea sold at Rs 242 for a 45 kg bag, excluding coating and taxes. PM Modi urged industry and youth to innovate and expand domestic production to end import dependence, saying, “We should not be dependent on others.”