Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Limited, has called for a greater role for Indian entrepreneurs in driving growth across the country’s natural resources sector, emphasising the need to reduce import dependence and accelerate progress toward self-reliance. Highlighting India’s industrial evolution, Agarwal noted that private enterprise has successfully transformed sectors such as telecom, aviation, ports, steel, cement and power engineering.
He stressed that a similar approach could unlock significant value in areas such as mining, hydrocarbons, metals and fertilisers, where public sector enterprises continue to hold strong capabilities. Based on an assessment of 24 government-owned companies, Mr Agarwal observed that these organisations possess experienced workforces and substantial operational foundations.
However, he pointed out that their full potential remains underutilised due to limitations in investment, technology deployment and execution speed. He suggested that introducing entrepreneurial leadership, along with capital infusion and modern technologies, could significantly enhance productivity and output. Such a shi , he said, would not only strengthen domestic supply chains but also reduce reliance on imports in critical sectors.
Drawing a comparison with India’s agricultural success, Mr Agarwal remarked that the country has demonstrated its ability to achieve self-sufficiency in “above-the-ground” sectors. He urged policymakers to replicate this momentum in “below-the-ground” industries such as mining and oil and gas, where India has strong geological resources.
Citing examples from the past, Mr Agarwal referred to the transformation of Hindustan Zinc Limited and Bharat Aluminium Company Limited, where strategic investments and advanced technologies resulted in a significant increase in production and employment. These developments also contributed to the growth of downstream industries and broader economic activity.
He emphasised that similar outcomes could be achieved across other public sector enterprises without compromising employment levels. Instead, he suggested that enhanced efficiency and expansion could generate additional job opportunities while strengthening industrial output. Mr Agarwal also addressed concerns around funding, noting that innovative financial structures and partnerships could support large-scale investments required for modernisation and expansion.
The call for reform aligns with the broader vision of building an Atmanirbhar Bharat, where domestic industries play a central role in meeting national demand and driving economic growth. Mr Agarwal reiterated that empowering entrepreneurs to lead transformation efforts could accelerate this journey and position India as a global leader in resource-based industries.
Vedanta Ltd is a leading global natural resources company, engaged in mining, oil, and gas exploration. With operations spanning India, Africa, and Australia, it specializes in zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron ore, and aluminum. The company focuses on sustainable development, innovation, and value creation, driving growth through its diversified portfolio of high-quality resources.
