India is rapidly transitioning from lithium importer to potential global supplier, driven by discoveries, policy reforms, and pioneering projects like Vardhaan Lithium. Here’s how India is building momentum—and why it matters for the future of clean energy.

1. Lithium Potential: Reserves & Challenges

In 2023, the Government of India announced the discovery of approximately 5.9 million tonnes of lithium-bearing clay in Jammu & Kashmir, positioning the country as the owner of one of the world’s largest known reserves. However, commercial-scale extraction from clay remains technologically complex and unproven.

While lithium reserves span other regions as well, including Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh, India currently relies on imports for nearly all its lithium needs.

2. Technology Partnerships: The Key to Progress

Recognizing the need for expert knowledge, Indian authorities and companies are pursuing international collaborations for refining and processing. Talks involve partners in Australia, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and Russia to acquire critical technology for lithium extraction and purification.

These partnerships are essential, since domestic lithium processing infrastructure is still in its infancy. Commercial-scale timelines remain lengthy—typically 4 to 7 years from resource discovery to production.

3. Market Growth: Capturing Emerging Demand

India’s lithium market was valued at USD 0.88 billion in 2024, and is forecast to expand over fivefold by 2033—reaching USD 4.92 billion at a CAGR of ~21%. Key drivers include rising EV adoption, renewable energy storage needs, and strong government incentives.

4. Vardhaan Lithium: Pioneering Domestic Refining

Vardhaan Lithium (I) Pvt. Ltd. is at the forefront of India’s strategic move toward lithium self-reliance:

• The company is building India’s first integrated lithium refinery and Li-ion battery facility in Butibori, Nagpur—spanning 500 acres, backed by a ₹ 42,532 crore investment.

• Designed to process 60,000 tonnes/year of lithium and generate 20 GWh/year battery capacity.

• Partnerships with U.S. & European technology providers ensure access to global-standard refining and purification systems.

• Upstream integration includes lithium sourcing from Zimbabwe, ensuring supply stability.

5. Strategic Resilience & Global Positioning

India’s dominance in global lithium refining remains negligible, but initiatives like Altmin’s global sourcing efforts and Lohum’s expansion in battery-grade refining show that domestic structures are quickly emerging.

Vardhaan’s vertically integrated model—combining mining, refining, and cell manufacturing—places it at the core of India’s ambition to decouple from imported supply chains and emerge as a strategic player in the critical minerals sector.

Final Thought

India is fast evolving from being a net importer of lithium to a potential manufacturing powerhouse. While technical and regulatory challenges persist, initiatives like Vardhaan Lithium’s integrated refinery mark a pivotal shift. With global partnerships, policy support, and domestic innovation converging, India may soon emerge as one of the next big players in the lithium-powered clean energy revolution.