India Aiming for Rare Earth Magnet Self-Reliance Through Inter-Ministerial Push: Kumaraswamy

In a major move toward achieving self-reliance in rare earth magnets, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said coordinated inter-ministerial efforts will be crucial for securing India’s position in this strategically important sector.

Rare earth magnets are critical components in electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defence systems. Currently, India depends heavily on imports to meet its requirements.

Kumaraswamy made the remarks after co-chairing a high-level inter-ministerial meeting with Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy in New Delhi. The meeting brought together senior officials from the ministries of heavy industries, steel, mines, commerce and industry, and the Department of Atomic Energy to discuss a roadmap for rare earth magnet development and production.

“Chaired a meeting with Union Minister Shri @kishanreddybjp…to address the issues of rare earth magnets,” Kumaraswamy shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Senior officials from multiple ministries were present to align efforts and chart the way forward.”

The minister stressed the importance of building domestic capabilities in this domain, especially given the rising demand from India’s growing EV and clean energy sectors. The push is expected to involve policy support, private sector participation, and leveraging India’s own reserves of rare earth elements.

The meeting reflects the government’s broader goal of reducing strategic dependencies and boosting high-tech manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) mission.