India relies heavily on imports for meeting its requirement for critical minerals such as lithium, niobium and rare earth elements. These minerals find application in new-age technologies such as those used in electric vehicles. pharmaceuticals and defence manufacturing. Mineral mining in the country is currently governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. Since critical minerals require more expertise and have traditionally not been explored or extracted in the country, the government is of the view that an enhanced support framework is required to encourage it, according to officials.