India set to approve PLI to build lithium nickel plants
India is set to approve a new production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to set up its own lithium and nickel processing plants, hoping to rely less on imports.
Backed by the ₹16,300 crore National Critical Minerals Mission, the plan could include ₹2,000 crore in incentives and waives import duties on equipment needed to build these facilities.
India targets 210 GWh battery demand
Right now, India depends entirely on imported lithium, cobalt, and nickel, minerals mostly processed in China.
To change that, India auctioned mineral blocks in states like Bihar, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh.
These resources are key for making batteries (think electric vehicles), defense gear, and even space tech.
The goal? Boost India's annual demand for lithium-ion batteries fivefold to about 210 GWh by 2030 so India can power its own green future.