Kailash Pati Sharma
In the new era of green technology and digital mobility, lithium-ion batteries have become the heart of the energy transition. From powering electric vehicles (EVs) and smartphones to storing renewable energy and driving industrial machinery, lithium-ion batteries are now indispensable to global progress. For India, a country on the path to becoming a global clean-tech leader, the recent discovery of lithium reserves in Jammu & Kashmir marks a turning point in both industrial and regional development.
The Growing Importance of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the core technology behind electric mobility, smartphones, laptops, solar energy storage, and even advanced defense systems. As the world shifts away from fossil fuels, the demand for these batteries has exploded. In India alone, the EV market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 90% in the coming decade, and battery storage is essential to balance the country’s renewable energy supply.
However, India currently imports almost all of its battery cells, mostly from China, despite assembling battery packs locally. This dependency makes the supply chain vulnerable and expensive. Huge Import deficient and also huge Import duty with delayed deliveries .Therefore, establishing a domestic lithium-ion cell manufacturing ecosystem is not just economically strategic but also essential for national energy security.
Jammu & Kashmir: A New Industrial Opportunity
The discovery of lithium reserves in the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir, one of the largest in India, opens the door to creating an indigenous value chain for lithium-ion batteries. If explored and developed responsibly, these reserves can power an entirely new industry and transform the region into a global hub for battery manufacturing.
By attracting investments in mining, processing, cell manufacturing, and battery pack assembly, Jammu & Kashmir can become a center of excellence for lithium-based energy solutions. The region’s abundant natural resources, strategic location, and growing infrastructure make it well-positioned to host large-scale battery parks, R&D centers, and innovation hubs.
Creating a Lithium-Ion Battery Board
To realize this potential, India can establish a “J&K Lithium-Ion Battery Development Board” led by a chairman from the industry, with representation from government, academia, startups, and NGOs. This board would be responsible for:
* Fast-tracking policy decisions and clearances
* Building local talent through skill development programs
* Facilitating public-private partnerships
* Ensuring environmentally responsible mining and processing
* Promoting research and innovation in battery technology
This collaborative framework would ensure that the lithium economy in Jammu & Kashmir is not only profitable but also inclusive and sustainable.
Boosting Economy and Youth Employment
The lithium battery value chain has the potential to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs in mining, manufacturing, logistics, quality control, R&D, and technical services. For a region like Jammu & Kashmir, with a large population of educated but underemployed youth, this industry could become a game-changer.
From technical training institutes to innovation startups, every layer of the lithium battery ecosystem can foster entrepreneurship, skill development, and economic resilience. Moreover, with the right infrastructure and policy support, Jammu & Kashmir can attract global investors looking to diversify their supply chains beyond China.We can create probability of about 5000 youth jobs direct or indirect if we deploy strategy in right way
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
India stands at a crossroads in its energy and industrial journey, and Jammu & Kashmir can be the new face of that transformation. By leveraging its lithium resources, the region can be integrated into the global clean energy value chain, elevating both its economy and strategic importance. Through vision, collaboration, and innovation, Jammu & Kashmir can become not just a resource hub, but a global leader in lithium-ion battery production
(The author is VP Schneider, Assocham
Co-Chairperson Electronics and Hardware)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
