India’s efforts to strengthen its electric vehicle (EV) industry will require progress in battery manufacturing, critical mineral supplies, energy storage and advanced manufacturing, alongside the expansion of vehicle assembly. These priorities were highlighted during discussions at the Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo and The Battery Show India (TBSI) 2026 on October 23, Auto India Daily reported.
Industry leaders explored opportunities to combine India’s manufacturing capabilities with international technology expertise and access to mineral resources. Stronger battery supply chains are increasingly important for EV production, technology development and the long-term competitiveness of the automotive sector.
Australia’s mineral resources offer scope for cooperation
Australia highlighted battery manufacturing and electric mobility as key areas for cooperation with India. Philip Green, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, said the two countries could combine Australia’s engineering expertise and mineral resources with India’s manufacturing strengths and integration into global supply chains.
Green said Australia accounts for more than 50% of global lithium production and holds the world’s second-largest cobalt reserves. He also highlighted the country’s strong position in global rare earth resources.
Lithium, cobalt and rare earth materials have applications across battery technologies and the wider clean energy sector. Cooperation between Australia’s resource base and India’s manufacturing ecosystem could create opportunities to develop battery-related supply chains.
Twenty Australian companies and 32 exhibitors participated in the expo, showcasing technologies related to energy storage, grid infrastructure, green hydrogen and renewable energy integration.
However, access to mineral resources alone does not guarantee lower battery costs or more affordable electric vehicles. The benefits will depend on the development of partnerships, processing capabilities, investment and effective commercial execution.
India-Germany cooperation focuses on battery research
India-Germany technology cooperation also featured in the discussions, with Anandi Iyer, director of the Fraunhofer Office in India, highlighting opportunities in battery research, power electronics, advanced engineering and industrial automation.
Iyer cited global renewable energy and battery storage deployment figures, stating that renewable energy capacity additions worldwide would reach approximately 800 GW in 2025, while battery storage deployment would reach 108 GW, representing a 40% increase from the previous year.
The growth of renewable energy and battery storage highlights the expanding role of technologies that are relevant to both electric mobility and energy systems. Battery research, power electronics and advanced engineering can support the development of these interconnected sectors.
Iyer also emphasised that technological self-reliance can be pursued alongside international cooperation. Trusted partnerships and resilient supply chains can help translate research into commercially viable solutions.
For India, the challenge will be to use international expertise while strengthening domestic manufacturing and technology development. Such cooperation could support future automotive innovation and improve supply chain resilience.
Domestic manufacturing remains a key priority
India is seeking to expand its domestic EV manufacturing capabilities, but access to raw materials, technology development and investment in manufacturing infrastructure remain important challenges.
Discussions at the REI Expo and TBSI highlighted the potential role of international partnerships in strengthening India’s clean energy and EV supply chains. However, no new investments or agreements with individual EV manufacturers were announced at the event.
The long-term impact on the automotive sector will depend on how effectively India converts access to mineral resources and international technological expertise into stronger domestic battery manufacturing, processing and research capabilities.
