The Ministry of Mines organised a webinar on ‘India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and Benefits to the Indian Mineral Sector’ on August 12, 2025, under the chairmanship of Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao. The session aimed to bring together India’s mineral industry to explore opportunities arising from the trade agreement, with a special focus on market access, competitiveness, and research collaboration.
Moderated by Shakil Alam, Economic Adviser (Mines), the webinar saw participation from senior officials of the Ministry of Mines and its organisations; the Minister (Economic), High Commission of India (HCI), London, UK; industry leaders; and representatives from key associations including the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), Aluminium Association of India (AAI), Aluminium Secondary Manufacturers Association (ASMA), and the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI). Notified Private Exploration Agencies also took part.
Market Access Potential for Aluminium Industry
In his address, Secretary Rao highlighted how the India-UK CETA could enhance the global competitiveness of India’s mineral sector, particularly the aluminium industry. He stressed the importance of targeted roadshows to assess UK product demand and urged industry stakeholders to devise strategies to capitalise on the agreement’s provisions. He also noted opportunities for joint R&D projects between the two countries.
A detailed presentation on aluminium export prospects post-CETA was delivered by Rajiv Kumar, CEO (Aluminium), Vedanta Group, on behalf of the Aluminium Association of India. Industry leaders including B.P. Singh (CMD, NALCO), Rajesh Kumar (CEO, BALCO), B.K. Bhatia (DG, FIMI), and representatives from Hindalco, ASMA, and MRAI shared their perspectives on strengthening India’s primary and secondary aluminium sectors in the UK market.
Innovation and R&D Cooperation
Dr. Anupam Agnihotri, Director, JNARDDC, discussed ways to advance institutional cooperation in research and development. Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Minister (Economic) at HCI London, underlined the importance of aligning with specific UK product requirements and highlighted opportunities under the Innovation chapter of the agreement to deepen R&D ties.
Industry-Wide Engagement
The webinar attracted over 230 participants from across India’s mineral sector, reflecting broad interest in leveraging CETA to boost exports and collaboration. With government, industry bodies, and private agencies engaged, the focus now shifts to converting these opportunities into tangible outcomes for the mineral industry.
