Policy and market analysis of India’s electric vehicle battery supply chain

India’s transition to electric mobility is central to its net-zero targets. Supported by national schemes and policies, the market for electric vehicles (EVs) is expanding rapidly, accounting for a CAGR of approximately 78% over the past five years. Among EV components, batteries, which account for 45–50% of vehicle cost, remain the most critical one. In the advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery supply chain, India’s heavy reliance on imports of lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other raw materials creates exposure to price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical risks. This paper evaluates India’s preparedness for large-scale ACC manufacturing by combining stakeholder consultations with a secondary analysis of policy and market data. It assesses the projected demand–supply gap in the manufacturing of ACC and its components, raw material dependence, infrastructure readiness, and policy frameworks. The analysis indicates opportunities in domestic demand growth, policy support, and emerging research and development (R&D) capabilities, while highlighting persistent gaps in mineral access, capital intensity, and the availability of a skilled workforce. A strategic roadmap is proposed, focusing on trade agreements, local refining, recycling, fiscal reforms, R&D, and skill development to reduce import dependence, close the projected demand–supply gap, and position itself as a globally competitive hub for ACC technologies.