How is India Enhancing Mineral Security and Green Steel Production with the Gulf?

New Delhi, July 1 (NationPress) The narrative of India is expanding beyond its geographical limits, taking shape in global hubs like Dubai, driven by entities such as NMDC and MECON, forging partnerships that foster prosperity worldwide, stated Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy.

In a significant stride for India’s international industrial engagement, Kumaraswamy commenced his official visit to the United Arab Emirates with a high-level dialogue with His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), followed by the unveiling of the international offices of NMDC Limited and MECON Limited in Dubai.

“India perceives steel not merely as a commodity, but as the foundational element of our infrastructure, mobility, energy, and manufacturing sectors,” remarked Kumaraswamy. “The mineral wealth, industrial capabilities, and clean energy emphasis of Ras Al Khaimah position it as an ideal ally in India’s forward-looking steel and resource strategy,” he noted.

During the conference, the Union Minister deliberated on various strategic prospects, including securing long-term access to low-silica limestone from Ras Al Khaimah; enhancing trade collaborations through value-added steel exports from India; investigating avenues for green hydrogen and green steel partnerships; establishing calcined lime production units utilizing RAK’s local limestone and natural gas; and promoting engagement via CPSEs like SAIL, NMDC, and MECON.

SAIL, one of India’s prominent steel manufacturers, currently sources around 2.5 million tonnes of limestone annually from RAK-based Stevin Rock LLC, with future procurement anticipated to increase as part of SAIL’s capacity expansion from 20 to 35 million tonnes per annum.

Kumaraswamy also invited Ras Al Khaimah to explore collaborative opportunities in infrastructure advancement, energy components, and raw material value chains.

Later in Dubai, the Minister inaugurated the international office of NMDC Limited, India’s leading iron ore producer. This new office positions NMDC to pursue mineral asset acquisitions, establish strategic joint ventures, and diversify sourcing of essential inputs such as steel-grade limestone, dolomite, and other critical minerals necessary for India’s clean energy and industrial manufacturing sectors.

“This initiative is part of a calculated global strategy,” asserted Kumaraswamy. “India’s energy transition and industrial growth will depend on securing raw materials vital for steel, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing,” he added.

Kumaraswamy also inaugurated MECON Limited’s Dubai office, marking the global expansion of one of India’s esteemed public sector engineering consultancies. “Dubai is more than just a location — it serves as a launchpad,” the Minister expressed. “MECON’s presence here signifies India’s increasing capability to deliver world-class engineering solutions globally,” he concluded.