Reuters reported last week, ​citing the draft document, that the ​policy lays out plans to cut sector emissions ⁠and shore up access to iron ​ore and coking coal — key raw materials — ​to meet anticipated demand.

The policy aims to cut the sector's average carbon-emission intensity to around 1.54 tons ​of carbon dioxide per ton of ​crude steel by 2047 from the current 2.54 tons, ‌in ⁠line with India's net zero emission goal for 2070, according to the draft document.

The steel ministry expects iron ore demand at ​772 million ​tons and ⁠plans to secure access to high-grade reserves by pursuing foreign ​assets and joint ventures, the document ​said.

The ⁠ministry also expects coking coal demand to reach 236 million tons, the document said, ⁠with ​the government planning to ​diversify its sourcing via “strategic global outreach” and acquire overseas assets.

The policy seeks to strengthen production of value-added steel, including stainless and specialty steel, while addressing dependence on imported raw materials and technology.

Proposed measures include diversifying raw material sources, developing a domestic scrap ecosystem, promoting downstream manufacturing clusters, developing indigenous technologies and setting up Centres of Excellence. Demand aggregation is also part of the plan.

Steel quality is to be strengthened through revised Indian Standards and conformity assessment mechanisms. The policy also calls for measures to discourage imports of substandard, low-quality steel, including AI-supported import monitoring and other trade remedies. Exports of good-quality steel will be encouraged.