How an Indian oil giant is leading the critical minerals race is now central to India’s energy security and industrial future. In this Core Report Energy Special 2026, Financial Journalist Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Ranjit Rath, Chairman & Managing Director, Oil India Limited on why critical minerals like graphite, vanadium, potash, and rare earths are becoming strategic for India and how Oil India is positioning itself in the global critical minerals race ahead of India Energy Week 2026.This conversation explains how Oil India is expanding beyond oil and gas into critical minerals exploration under the National Critical Mineral Mission, including domestic blocks in Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan and overseas partnerships across Australia, Latin America, and Africa. We also discuss why processing capacity matters as much as mining, how global supply chains are shifting, and what India must do to reduce import dependence in the EV, defence, fertiliser, and technology sectors.The episode also covers deep water and ultra deep water oil and gas exploration, new seismic imaging, AI and data driven exploration, and the reported natural gas occurrence in Andaman and Nicobar. You will hear updates on the Numaligarh Refinery expansion, major pipeline infrastructure, petrochemicals, and how Oil India is preparing to engage global partners and technology leaders at India Energy Week 2026.If you follow business news, energy markets, geopolitics, manufacturing, or supply chain strategy, this Core Report Energy Special 2026 connects critical minerals, oil and gas, and India’s long term energy transition in one conversation.In this episode1. Why critical minerals are vital for India’s energy security and industrial policy2. Graphite and vanadium exploration in Arunachal Pradesh and what vanadium is used for3. Potash mining in Rajasthan and its impact on fertiliser imports4. Rare earths, processing technology, and China’s dominance in supply chains5. Overseas critical minerals strategy with KABIL6. Deep water drilling, seismic re imaging, and AI in exploration7. Numaligarh Refinery expansion, pipelines, and downstream petrochemicals8. What Oil India plans to showcase at India Energy Week 2026Register for India Energy Week 2026https://www.indiaenergyweek.com/forms/register-as-a-delegateIf this conversation helped you understand how India is approaching the critical minerals race and energy security, like the video, subscribe to The Core Report, and share it with someone working in energy, consulting, manufacturing, finance, or policy. These discussions shape how India competes in the next decade.#criticalminerals #energysecurity #indiaenergyweek2026 #oilindia #thecorereport #thecore
