# India plans critical mineral parks, pushes Latin America ties

2026-08-12T18:44:10+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The government will set up four critical mineral processing parks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with an initial focus on lithium and nickel for the battery sector. Mines secretary Keshav Chandra said the parks, part of the Rs 34,300-crore National Critical Mineral Mission, will create dedicated ecosystems from processing to downstream industries. State governments will lead planning, with central technical support. Simultaneously, India is deepening engagement with Latin America for critical minerals and energy. Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) signed a lithium exploration deal in Argentina in 2024. During PM Modi’s July 2025 Brazil visit, the two countries identified critical minerals as essential. India also imported 427,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan oil in May 2026, and ONGC Videsh is set to operate two Venezuelan oil blocks.

## Coverage

- government.economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/governance/beyond-china-why-latin-america-can-become-indias-next-critical-minerals-and-energy-frontier/133168090>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indias-critical-mineral-push-govt-plans-processing-parks-in-4-states-lithium-and-nickel-in-focus/articleshow/133217831.cms>

Tags: critical minerals, India energy, Latin America, lithium, supply chain diversification, Venezuela oil
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