New Delhi: In a significant move to strengthen India’s long-term resource security and support the clean energy transition, GAIL (India) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) to collaborate in the field of critical and strategic minerals.
The partnership will enable both organisations to explore opportunities across the critical minerals value chain, exchange technical expertise, and work together on initiatives that support India’s growing demand for essential mineral resources.
GAIL and KABIL Sign Strategic MoU
The MoU was signed on July 17, 2026, by:
- Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Director (R&D & E&P), GAIL
- Mr. Sunil Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer, KABIL
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of:
- Mr. R. K. Singhal, Director (Business Development), GAIL
- Senior officials from both GAIL and KABIL
The agreement establishes a framework for long-term cooperation in the exploration and development of critical and strategic minerals.
Focus on Critical Minerals and Resource Security
Under the partnership, GAIL and KABIL will jointly work on identifying and evaluating opportunities related to critical minerals that are essential for India’s industrial growth and energy transition.
The collaboration will focus on:
- Identifying critical and strategic mineral opportunities
- Joint evaluation of mining projects
- Technical knowledge sharing
- Capacity building and skill development
- Exploring collaboration across the mining value chain
- Supporting India’s long-term supply of critical minerals
The initiative aligns with India’s efforts to secure reliable sources of minerals that are vital for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.
Supporting India’s Clean Energy Transition
Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements play a crucial role in the global shift towards clean energy.
Through this partnership, GAIL and KABIL aim to contribute to:
- Strengthening India’s energy security
- Supporting renewable energy expansion
- Reducing dependence on imported critical minerals
- Building a resilient supply chain for strategic resources
- Promoting sustainable industrial growth
The collaboration is expected to play an important role in achieving India’s long-term clean energy and economic development goals.
KABIL’s Role in Securing Overseas Mineral Assets
Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) was established to identify, acquire, develop, and secure overseas critical and strategic mineral assets for India.
KABIL is a joint venture of three Central Public Sector Enterprises:
- National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
- Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL)
- Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited (MECL)
Its primary objective is to ensure a stable supply of critical minerals required for India’s future industrial and energy needs.
Why This Partnership Matters
The agreement between GAIL and KABIL is expected to strengthen India’s strategy for securing critical mineral resources, which are becoming increasingly important for clean energy technologies and advanced industries.
Industry experts believe that strategic collaborations like this will help India reduce supply chain risks, encourage technological cooperation, and support sustainable economic growth in the coming years.
About GAIL (India) Limited
GAIL (India) Limited is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. As India’s leading integrated energy company, GAIL operates across the natural gas value chain, including natural gas transmission and marketing, LNG sourcing and regasification, LPG transmission, petrochemicals, city gas distribution, renewable energy, and upstream exploration and production.
