"No one paid attention to critical minerals": G Kishan Reddy highlights PM Modi's call for self-reliance

New Delhi [India], August 15 (ANI): Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Friday highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in critical minerals sector, with Reddy noting the strategic importance amid import challenges from China and citing the success of Operation Sindoor.
Speaking to ANI, Reddy said that for decades after Independence, critical minerals had not received adequate attention despite their importance in technologies.
He said, "After Independence, no one has paid attention to critical minerals in India. Today, from cell phones to aeroplanes, from railways to space technology, critical minerals have great importance. We have increased exploration for critical minerals in India. He also talked about encouraging the private sector to mine and bring critical minerals to India."
Reddy noted the recent blockage of critical mineral imports from China and said, "There has been a blockage in the import of critical minerals from China. Against this backdrop, PM Modi conveyed from the Red Fort that the Indian government should strive to achieve 'Atmanirbharta' in this sector too."
Reddy said that on the first Independence Day following the success of Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed that the operation is ongoing.
"Today is the first Independence Day after the success of Operation Sindoor. That is why PM Modi reiterated today that Operation Sindoor has not stopped. He also gave a message on how the common people of India should rise above politics and stand united with the government during such crises," Reddy said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering his 12th consecutive address on Independence Day, underscored 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) being a foundational plan for 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India), with the idea permeating across different sectors including in defence, space, clean and renewable energy, agriculture, mineral exploration.
"Whoever is dependent on others too much, there are as big questions raised on one's Independence. It becomes truly unfortunate when we get used to being dependent. We don't even get to know when we are leaving atmanirbharta and becoming nirbhar, that is why we need to be alert and awake to be independent," PM Modi said in his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
On the strides made in clean and renewable energy, PM Modi announced how the plan for achieving 50 per cent clean energy, originally set for 2030, was achieved by years early, with solar, nuclear, hydro, and hydrogen energy advancing in technology, helping with energy independence.
He noted that 10 new nuclear reactors are currently operational and emphasised that by India's 100th year (2047) of Independence, the nation aims to increase its nuclear energy capacity tenfold, strengthening energy self-reliance and supporting sustainable growth.
On the 'National Critical Minerals mission,' which will help with getting natural resources for various sectors, PM Modi mentioned how over 1,200 sites have been explored, with the control of these sites strengthening strategic autonomy and ensuring that the industrial and defence sectors remain self-reliant. Similarly, the 'National Deepwater Exploration Mission' will also explore resources across oceans and other deep waters. (ANI)