India, UK CETA To Boost Mineral Sector With Aluminium Industry Set For Greater Market Access And R&D Collaboration

The recently held webinar on the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has shed light on the opportunities awaiting the Indian mineral sector. 

Organised by the Ministry of Mines, the session brought together government officials, industry leaders and trade associations to explore how the trade pact can boost market access, encourage innovation and foster collaborations, particularly in the aluminium industry.

Relevance To The Mineral Sector

The Ministry of Mines hosted a webinar titled India UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and benefits to the Indian mineral sector, chaired by Shri V L Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines. The event was designed to unite the Indian mineral industry to evaluate the potential benefits arising from the agreement. 

Participants included senior officials from the Ministry, the High Commission of India in London, and representatives from leading associations such as the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI), Aluminium Association of India (AAI), Aluminium Secondary Manufacturers Association (ASMA) and Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI).

Opportunities For the Aluminium Industry

In his address, Shri V L Kantha Rao highlighted the agreement’s potential for enhancing market access and competitiveness, especially for the aluminium sector. He stressed the importance of understanding product demand in the UK through targeted roadshows and noted the potential for research and development partnerships between the two countries. The aluminium industry was seen as a major beneficiary, with opportunities in both primary and secondary segments.

Industry Perspectives And Presentations

Shri Rajiv Kumar, CEO (Aluminium) of Vedanta Group, presented insights on behalf of the Aluminium Association of India, outlining the market gains possible post CETA. Industry leaders, including B P Singh of NALCO, Rajesh Kumar of BALCO and B K Bhatia of FIMI, welcomed the pact, citing ways the mineral industry could gain momentum in the UK market. Contributions from Hindalco, ASMA and MRAI reinforced the view that the agreement could be a catalyst for growth.

Research And Development Collaboration

Dr Anupam Agnihotri, Director of JNARDDC, discussed how institutional cooperation in research and development could be advanced. He emphasised the need to leverage the Chapter on Innovation in the agreement. 

Ms Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Minister (Economic) at the High Commission of India in London, echoed the sentiment, stressing market access advantages and the importance of aligning product offerings with UK demand.

Read More: Cochin Shipyard Share Price in Focus; Total Income Rises in Q1 FY26 Results! 

Conclusion

The webinar underscored that the India-UK CETA is more than a trade pact; it is a platform for strategic cooperation. By fostering stronger commercial ties, promoting innovation and aligning industry capabilities with international demand, India’s mineral sector could witness sustained growth in the coming years.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation or investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all related documents carefully before investing.