As India's need for critical mineral e is surging due to a number of factors like its aim to increase the penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) to 30% by 2030, critical minerals like lithium are essential for the transition to clean energy and electric mobility. The Central Asian countries (CA) can play a key role in this matter.

Oon October 29-30 2024 , Dushanbe hosted the first international investment mining and metallurgical forum and exhibition. This was announced  at a briefing by the ministry of industry and new technology of Tajikistan (MoINT)on o tuber 8th 2024, Asia plus reported.

Attendees were representative from leading industry companies n India, and CA nations along with a delegation of Russian entrepreneurs led by Russian Federation's minister of Industry.

Tajikistan mining sector welcomed investors from Russia and  India. On the sidelines of the event, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked between the ministry of industry and new Technologies of the Republic of Tajikistan and the National small Industries corporation Limited of the Republic of India which aims to facilitated corporation in the field  of small and medium enterprises between both countries.

The Tajik government consistently seeks to attract more foreign direct investment, with increased efforts in recent years to expand its mining sector. However investors must be prepared with higher risks, in clouding bureaucratic, financial challenges and banking  system, and frequent business and tax inspections .

Tajikistan National development Strategy for the period of 20230 (NDS-2020)  emphasizes industrialization of communication and electricity infrastructure, and the development of a domesticates innovation market.

More recent priorities in include advancing the green economy, promoting digitalization and implementing cashless payments system.

Tajikistan is experiencing a widening trade deficit as imports exceeds its exports, raising concerns about its economic stabilities. However, the country’s abundant mineral resources, including gold, copper, and silver, offer considerable, potential in the context of the global shift towards renewable energy. As demand for these minerals grows in countries like India, Tajikistan has the opportunity to increase its export and bolster its economy. Nevertheless, obstacles such as infrastructure, development, debts burdens, and social challenges persist. Working with international partners, could enable, Tajikistan to better utilise its resources for stronger economic growth.

According toa n article in Science Direct , Tajikistan is one of the top 20 countries in terms of proven reserves of zinc and also has vast reserves of aluminum, silver copper , zinc and lead.

India and Tajikistan has traditionally maintained close and friendly relations. Since the formal establishment of diplomatic ties on august 28, 1992 , frequent high -level visits have strengthened their bilateral relationship. The two nations shared deep historical and cultural connections, which have elevated their partnership. Their cooperation spans, various fields, with a particular emphasize on military and defence collaboration.

Security cooperation is a key pillar of India-Tajikistan relations, largely driven by concerns, over regional stability, particularly in Afghanistan. Both nations have a shared interest in ensuring peace and security in the region, given their proximity to Afghanistan, where instability and rise to terrorism have had cross- border implications. Indias security interest in Tajikistan also stem from its strategic location near Afghanistan and China, making Tajikistan a valuable partner in Indias efforts to project influence in Central Asia and safeguard its security.

While strategic and security ties have flourished economic relations between India and Tajikistan have been relatively modest but are growing. Bilateral trade remains limited, but efforts have been made to enhance economic cooperation. Indias primary exports to Tajikistan include pharmaceutical, textiles, machinery and engineering goods. Tajikistan, n turn, exports commodities like dry fruits and minerals to India.

Energy cooperation is a promising area for future collaboration, given Tajikistan’s abundant hydroelectric power potential and Indias growing energy needs. Tajikistan has shown interest in participating in regional energy projects, such as the CASA-1000 (Centra Asia South Asia) electricity transmission project, which aims to connect Central Asian energy resources with South Asian consumers. India’s participation in such projects could strengthen economic ties and address the energy security concerns.

Tajikistan has significant hydroelectric potential, but its reserves of oil and natural gas are limited. However, India’s interest I Central Asia’s overall energy landscape positions it as key partner in potential hydrocarbon exploration and development projects in the broader region, including Tajikistan.

Tajikistan is rich in various minerals resources, including silver, gold, uranium, antimony, lead, zinc and coal. India has shown interest in exploring investment opportunities in Tajikistan’s mining sector to secure raw materials essential for industries back home. Mining cooperation might include joint exploration, extraction, and technology transfers to modernize Tajikistan’s mining infrastructure.