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India and Canada have formally revived their Ministerial Energy Dialogue, marking a renewed effort to collaborate on critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel key materials for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and the broader energy transition. The dialogue was formalized by India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Timothy Hodgson on the sidelines of the fourth edition of India Energy Week in Goa.
The move follows discussions between the Prime Ministers of the two countries at the 2025 G7 Summit and reflects a growing strategic partnership aimed at strengthening and stabilizing global energy supply chains. If successful, the cooperation could help ease supply constraints for critical minerals in the automotive sector, particularly for electric vehicles.
Traditionally a supplier of conventional fuels, Canada is now shifting focus toward future-facing resources. Lithium, cobalt, and nickel classified as critical minerals—are essential for high-capacity batteries used in EVs and renewable energy storage systems. This diplomatic push comes at a time when India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, faces an annual energy import bill of approximately $150 billion.
Minister Puri said the “cooperation potentiality is immense,” noting that Indian state-backed energy firms are increasingly looking to diversify beyond oil and gas. Oil India, India’s second-largest state-owned explorer, has been designated as the lead entity to evaluate critical mineral opportunities in Canada.
“There is already significant discussion between Oil India and the Canadian side,” Puri said, adding that the company aims to expand its role beyond traditional hydrocarbons.
Oil India Chairman and MD Ranjit Rath stated that the initial plan involves sending a high-level delegation to Canada to study the country’s licensing framework, legal mining regimes, and potential investment assets. The two sides are exploring a model under which Indian companies could invest directly in Canadian mining projects to secure long-term raw material supplies for Indian manufacturing. “We will take it forward and aim to conclude as soon as possible,” Rath added.
