India’s clean energy push gets boost with Lithium Discovery and Battery Aadhaar Launch: Dr. Jitendra Singh at Battery Summit 2025
Srinagar, May 28 (KINS): At the “Battery Summit 2025” held in the capital today, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the
transformative potential of recent lithium discoveries in Jammu & Kashmir’s Reasi district in helping India achieve its Net Zero target by 2070. The Minister, who oversees multiple key portfolios including Science & Technology and Atomic Energy, called for greater focus on tapping untapped natural resources to power India’s clean energy future.
Highlighting India’s ambitious climate and economic goals, Dr. Singh stated, “Harnessing indigenous resources like lithium and fostering innovation in low-carbon technologies will not only accelerate our green transition but also fuel our journey to become the world’s third-largest economy.”
A major highlight of the summit was the launch of the Battery Aadhaar Initiative, a digital framework designed to enhance traceability, efficiency, and scalability in the battery supply chain. Terming it a “game-changer,” the Minister said it would play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s battery manufacturing and e-mobility ecosystem.
He also pointed to the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) critical role in spearheading India’s energy shift, citing flagship programs such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for advanced battery cells, PM-eDrive, and FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles). These efforts, combined with initiatives like the MAHA-EV Mission under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), reflect the government’s all-round push toward a sustainable mobility future.
Reflecting on India’s rise as a global climate leader, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted the country’s evolution from a cautious participant to a proactive champion of sustainability. He credited groundbreaking initiatives like Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for
Environment) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for this transformation. “India’s leadership in global climate forums is now backed by action, not just ambition,” he said.
In terms of innovation, India’s performance has been equally impressive. From ranking 81st on the Global Innovation Index in 2014 to climbing to 39th place in 2025, India has made significant strides. Its startup ecosystem has exploded from just 350 in 2014 to over 1.7 lakh startups in 2025, positioning it as the third-largest in the world. Backing this momentum is a 926% increase in DST’s budget—from ₹2,777 crore to ₹28,509 crore over the past decade.
The Minister also stressed the importance of private sector participation, especially under the Anusandhan NRF, where 60% of funding will come from industry players. Strategic national missions like the National Quantum Mission, AI Mission, and National Supercomputing Mission were cited as future-defining pillars of India’s technological leadership.
To guide India’s clean energy roadmap, Dr. Singh outlined three key focus areas: Indigenization of Technology – to reduce import reliance and build self-reliance. Boosting Domestic Manufacturing – to create resilient supply chains and job opportunities. Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems – by fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government.
He also praised the efforts of WRI India for advancing sustainable innovation through the Battery360 Alliance, and acknowledged the support of global and national institutions like UNEP, NITI Aayog, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The summit saw the participation of several prominent figures in science and sustainability, including Prof. Abhay Karandikar (Secretary, DST), Mr. Ashok Lessels (UNEP), Dr. Anita Gupta (Head, CEST Division, DST), and Mr. Madhav Pai (CEO, WRI India), reflecting the collaborative spirit and urgency driving India’s clean energy transition.(KINS)
