J&K’s Lithium to contribute to India’s ‘Net Zero by 2070’ target: Dr Jitendra

By statetimes_editor Last updated May 28, 2025

STATE TIMES NEWS

NEW DELHI: Addressing the Battery Summit 2025, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Minister of State for PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasized the strategic importance of recent Lithium discoveries in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, calling them a vital step toward India’s Net Zero by 2070 target.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh speaking after inaugurating “Battery Summit-2025” at New Delhi on Wednesday.

Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Addressing Challenges, Driving Innovation and Scaling Solutions,” Dr. Singh said the discovery of untapped resources like Lithium, along with innovation in low-carbon technologies, will be key to both economic growth and sustainability. “A strong innovation ecosystem can help India move from the recently achieved 4th largest economy to becoming the 3rd largest,” he stated.
In a major announcement, Dr. Singh launched the Battery Aadhaar Initiative under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), calling it a “game changer” that will ensure traceability, scalability, and efficiency in India’s growing battery ecosystem.
He highlighted the role of DST in spearheading India’s clean energy transition, including support for e-mobility, battery manufacturing, and sustainable technology solutions. Initiatives like PLI for Advanced Chemistry Cells, FAME, and PM-eDrive were cited as critical drivers for India’s green mobility shift. He also referred to the Dedicated MAHA-EV Mission under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) to boost the electric vehicle ecosystem.
The Minister praised the transformation in India’s global climate image, citing the country’s shift from being seen as a reluctant player to a global leader through initiatives such as Mission LiFE, Net Zero 2070, and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
He underlined India’s innovation growth, including its rise in the Global Innovation Index from rank 81 to 39, and the expansion of its startup base from 350 in 2014 to over 1.7 lakh in 2025, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. DST’s budget rise of 926%, from Rs 2,777 crore to Rs 28,509 crore, reflects the government’s commitment to research and innovation.
The summit, organized in collaboration with WRI India, UNEP, NITI Aayog, and GEF, saw participation from top officials like Prof. Abhay Karandikar (DST), Ashok Lessels (UNEP), and Dr. Anita Gupta (CEST), underscoring the collaborative push for clean energy innovation.