India has been focusing on securing its critical minerals and rare earth supply chain, especially in times of increased geopolitical uncertainties. During PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia it was announced that India will invest in the manufacturing of steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnets in Indonesia. This is aimed at strengthening the critical mineral supply chain.“In today’s era, the supply chain resilience of technology holds great significance. An important agreement was reached to further strengthen the supply chain in the sectors of critical minerals and steel,” Modi said.“A new beginning is being made in partnerships between our companies regarding stainless steel and rare-earth magnets,” he said.`As the global shift towards clean energy and advanced technologies gathers pace, critical minerals have emerged as a key strategic asset in global geopolitics. India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in January 2025 for a seven-year period from 2024-25 to 2030-31.The mission goes far beyond a conventional mining initiative. It lays out a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening India’s energy security, accelerating industrial development and enhancing technological self-reliance. Covering minerals ranging from lithium, which powers electric vehicles, to rare earth elements used in defence technologies, the NCMM seeks to secure resources that are increasingly vital to the country’s future.In the last two years, India has ‘wired’ 35 countries into a single grid for supply of rare earth, critical minerals and chips. Some of the notable ones are:
- Canada: Critical Minerals Cooperation Pact
- United Kingdom: Critical Minerals Supply Observatory
- Germany: Critical Minerals, Semiconductor Cooperation
- France: Joint Declaration On Critical Minerals
- Italy: Rare Earths From E-Waste Recovery
- United States: Critical Minerals, Rare Earths Framework
- Brazil: Rare Earths, Critical Minerals Pact
- Russia: Rare-Earth Magnet Technology Pact
- Tajikistan: Central Asia Rare-Earth Forum
- Japan: Mineral Exploration, Semiconductor Pacts
- Israel: Critical Minerals Technology Partnership
- Saudi Arabia: Critical Minerals In Mega-Deals
- United Arab Emirates: Third-Country Mineral Exploration Pact
- Myanmar: Rare Earths On Summit Agenda
- Vietnam: Rare Earths Among Thirteen Pacts
- Indonesia: Nickel, Critical Minerals Cooperation
Critical minerals are resources that are essential for economic growth as well as national security. They play a crucial role in sectors such as clean energy, advanced electronics, transportation, telecommunications and defence, while also supporting the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Since the supply chains for these minerals are often vulnerable to disruptions, countries are increasingly working to secure reliable access to them.
