PR No – 461
25th September, 2023
New Delhi
Argentina Invites Indian companies to invest in Lithium Mining to reduce dependence on China
H.E Mr. Hugo Javier Gobbi, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic in India, invited Indian companies to invest in Lithium Mining in Argentina. Addressing PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Electric Vehicles Conclave on Roadmap to India’s E-Mobility Journey – Translating Vision to Reality” on 25 September 2023 at PHD House, New Delhi, the Ambassador stated that there were complementarities between India and Argentina regarding critical minerals like Lithium and Copper which are required for electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions, as India had a huge demand for these metals and Argentina has huge reserves of these minerals. He appealed that India should source Lithium directly from Argentina rather than from China and reduce dependence on China. Presently, China is India’s leading supplier of lithium.
Delivering the Welcome Address, Mr Devansh Jain, Chair – RE Committee, PHDCCI, said “India’s transition to electric mobility is not merely a choice; it is an imperative for the sustainable future of our nation. Electric vehicles hold the key to reducing our carbon footprint, improving air quality, and enhancing energy efficiency. The internal combustion engine, once the symbol of progress and prosperity, is now recognized as a major contributor to environmental degradation. We cannot continue down this path if we are to safeguard the planet for future generations. This is why electric vehicles (EVs) have become the vanguard of a new era in transportation”.
Mr Ayush Lohia, CEO, Lohia Auto Industries, in his address on Deepening India’s EV Capabilities to strengthening its value-chain expressed his optimism for the EV sector in India and informed that an EV revolution was round the corner. He stressed on skill development (specially in Electromechanical Engineering), R & D and customer service to facilitate EV revolution in India.
Dr Deb Mukherjee, CEO, Omega Seiki Mobility, informed that EV revolution is a huge opportunity for India, specially for MSMEs. He suggested that India should focus on manufacturing EV parts, powertrain and batteries.
Mr. Subhabrata Sengupta, Partner, Avalon Consulting and Knowledge Partner for the event in his presentation informed that Critical materials (minerals) are essential for Electric Vehicles and India is heavily dependent on the import of these major critical materials for its EV industry to thrive During the largest mining even held in June 2022 in Canada, US and its 11 partner countries have announced and setup mineral security partnership. India is the first major developing country to join the partnership in June 2023 which helps it to secure and build a resilient supply chain for critical minerals. Similarly, India & Australia have also signed the Critical Minerals Investment Partnership, a major milestone for India towards investment in critical minerals and develop strong supply chains between the two countries
Other Speakers at the Conclave included –
- Mr Rajiv Rao, Business Head, GFCL EV Products Ltd,
- Mr. Mukund Kumar, Regional Business Development Head, Verde Mobility, \
- Mr. Akash Deep Tyagi, Technical Head & Founding Member, Statiq,
- Ms Anannya Das, Programme Manager, Sustainable Mobility, Centre for Science & Environment,
- Dr. Clement Lesniak, Eramet India
- Mr. Sunil Bhatnagar, CXO, IPLTech Electric P Ltd, Mr. Ayush Patodia, Associate Vice President, Avalon Consulting, Mr. Bharadwaja Suryapally, Consultant, Avalon Consulting
Ms Mili Dubey, Director, PHDCCI, delivered the Opening remarks and Mr Punit Chaudhry, Secretary, PHDCCI delivered the Vote of Thanks.
The Conclave was co- sponsored by INOXGFL & GFCL EV Ltd, AVALON Consulting was the knowledge partner, EV TechNews was the Media Partner, SMEV was the Association partner & FITT was the Innovation partner, and supported by PHDCCI annual sponsors, DLF Ltd; Jindal Steel & Power; KLJ Group; Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Marble City; MMG Group; Radico Khaitan Ltd; Uflex Ltd; Vestige; Eazy ERP Technologies; JK Tyre & Industries Ltd; Sagar Group of Industries; Superior Industries Limited; Samsung India Electronics; Oswal Greentech; Apeejay Stya Group; Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd; DCM Shriram; R E Rogers; Trident Group; Ajit Industries Pvt Ltd; Bhagwati Plastic and Pipes Industries; Central Coalfields Ltd; DD Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Hindware Sanitary; Jindal Steel; Modern Automobiles; P S BEDI & Co.
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Warm Regards,
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry