India Eyes Australia For Cooktop Glass Supply
India is exploring steady supplies of Australian spodumene to support domestic ceramic glass production for induction cooktops, as the government looks to reduce dependence on Chinese imports amid a sharp rise in electric cooking appliance demand.
India Eyes Australian Spodumene Supply
Senior government officials said the Power Ministry has taken up the issue of technical-grade spodumene supply from Australia with the Ministry of External Affairs. Spodumene is a lithium-bearing mineral used in ceramic glass manufacturing because it improves heat resistance and durability.
The move is aimed at supporting local production of induction-cooker glass tops, a key component currently dependent on imports. Australia is one of the world’s leading producers of spodumene, making it a potential supply partner for India’s manufacturing plans.
Induction Cooktop Demand Surges In India
Demand for induction and infrared cooktops has risen sharply over the past three months due to concerns over LPG supply disruptions. Government estimates show sales increased from about 5.13 lakh units in February 2026 to nearly 10 lakh units.
The surge has exposed supply-chain gaps in India’s electric cooking appliance sector. Manufacturers have reported shortages of ceramic glass, induction coils and printed circuit boards, along with higher prices and longer delivery timelines from overseas suppliers.
Ceramic Glass Plant Planned In Rajasthan
A ceramic-glass manufacturing facility in Rajasthan is expected to begin trial production by August 2026. The plant is projected to have capacity of around 15 lakh ceramic-glass units a month, or nearly 1.5 crore units annually.
The Power Ministry has also approached the Rajasthan government to expedite electricity connectivity and related infrastructure for the project. To ease pressure on manufacturers, mandatory star labelling for induction cooktops has been deferred from July 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027.
