India wants to buy more coking coal and nickel from Russia – media India is exploring the acquisition of coking coal assets and increased nickel imports from Russia to support its steel production and energy transition. A delegation visited Russia in May for preliminary discussions with government and industry representatives. Coking coal and nickel are crucial for India’s renewable energy targets and electric vehicle expansion.

• India is considering buying coking coal assets and importing more nickel from Russia.
• A delegation from India held preliminary talks with Russian government and industry in May.
• Coking coal was designated a critical and strategic mineral by India in January.
• SAIL and NMDC are in talks with Russia regarding raw material sourcing.
• India currently sources over half its coking coal from Australia.
• Nickel is vital for India’s clean energy transition, particularly battery production.
• India aims for electric vehicles to constitute 30% of cars and 80% of two-wheelers by 2030.
• India and Russia are enhancing trade and investment in the Arctic and Far East.
• India is also exploring rare earth mining pacts with Russia and other countries.