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In this article, an attempt has been made to explore the potential performance of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticle–based cutting fluid in hard milling of hardened 60Si 2 Mn steel (50-52 HRC) under different minimum quantity lubrication conditions. The comparison of hard milling under minimum quantity lubrication conditions is done between pure cutting fluids and nanofluids (in terms of surface roughness, cutting force, tool wear, and tool life). Hard milling under minimum quantity lubrication conditions with nanofluid Al 2 O 3 of 0.5% volume has shown superior results. The improvement in tool life almost 177%–230% (depending on the type of nanofluid) and the reduction in surface roughness and cutting forces almost 35%–60% have been observed under minimum quantity lubrication with Al 2 O 3 nanofluids due to better tribological behavior as well as cooling and lubricating effects. The most outstanding result is that the uncoated cemented carbide insert can be effectively used in machining high-hardness steels (>50 HRC) while maintaining long tool life and good surface integrity (R a  = 0.08–0.35 µm; R z  = 0.5–2.0 µm, equivalent to finish grinding) rather than using the costlier tools like coated carbide, ceramic, and (P)CBN. Therefore, using hard nanoparticle–reinforced cutting fluid under minimum quantity lubrication conditions in practical manufacturing becomes very promising.