India's EV Battery Gamble: Independence or Dependence?

India is poised to mass-produce EV batteries within 18 months, but the industry's structure raises concerns. Leading battery makers Amara Raja and Exide hold significantly fewer patents than Chinese and South Korean giants, highlighting a long-standing reliance on foreign technology. Many Indian firms opt for collaborations, relying on foreign tech and supply chains instead of independent R&D. While some companies like Ola Electric and Godi India are attempting independent innovation, Log9 Materials' near-bankruptcy highlights the risks. India's success hinges not just on battery production, but on mastering the underlying technology. Without a shift away from imported ideas, its ambitions may simply replace old dependencies with new ones.