He was delivering the keynote address at “Minerals That Matter: Geopolitics, Sovereignty & Value Chains,” a closed-door roundtable discussion hosted by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) in collaboration with IP Bazzaar on 17 December 2025.
Critical Minerals at the Core of Modern Defence Systems
Air Marshal Dixit highlighted that modern defence platforms are intrinsically dependent on assured access to critical minerals. Advanced systems such as jet engines, missiles, precision-guided munitions, radars, satellites, batteries and semiconductors rely heavily on these strategically vital resources.
He noted that without secure access to critical minerals, defence capability development and operational readiness could face serious constraints, making mineral security an inseparable component of national security planning.
Global Supply Chain Risks and Strategic Vulnerabilities
Drawing attention to global trends, the CISC pointed out that supply chains for critical minerals are highly concentrated and increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical pressures and export controls. Such concentration, he warned, poses a significant strategic risk for countries dependent on imports.
Excessive reliance on external suppliers, particularly in times of geopolitical uncertainty, can undermine defence preparedness and technological independence, he said.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047
Air Marshal Dixit stressed that India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the long-term goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 cannot be realised without resilient and secure mineral supply chains.
Self-reliant defence manufacturing, he said, must be backed by domestic capabilities across the entire value chain, from mineral exploration and extraction to processing, manufacturing and recycling.
Government Initiatives on Critical Minerals
Highlighting recent national efforts, the CISC referred to India’s identification of critical minerals and the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission. These initiatives aim to systematically strengthen domestic capabilities and reduce strategic vulnerabilities.
He noted that translating policy intent into tangible outcomes will require coordinated efforts between government, industry, academia and research institutions.
Release of Technical Reports and IP Insights
As part of the event, Air Marshal Dixit inaugurated a compilation of 30 technical reports on critical minerals. The reports provide in-depth analyses of intellectual property landscapes, market trends and global value chains related to strategic minerals.
These studies are expected to support informed policymaking, innovation planning and industry participation in the critical minerals ecosystem.
High-Level Strategic Dialogue
The invitation-only forum brought together senior policymakers, defence experts, industry leaders, technology innovators, academic researchers and intellectual property professionals.
The discussions focused on India’s strategic approach to securing critical minerals in an increasingly complex global environment marked by competition, resource nationalism and supply chain disruptions.
Support from the Ministry of Mines
The event received the gracious best wishes of Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to strengthening India’s mineral security framework.
Participants agreed that sustained dialogue, innovation and coordinated action will be key to building resilient value chains that support defence preparedness and economic growth.
