India, US Strengthen Critical Minerals Partnership Amid China Supply Chain Concerns

By Mahima Katal India and the United States on Tuesday formalised a major framework to enhance cooperation in securing critical mineral supplies, as global concerns grow over China’s export restrictions on rare earth elements and strategic metals essential for technology and industrial supply chains.

The agreement, focused on strengthening supply chains for mining and processing critical minerals, was signed on the sidelines of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.

Calling the development both “timely and critical,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the framework would deepen collaboration across the entire critical minerals and rare earth ecosystem, including mining, processing, recycling, and investments. He added that the initiative is aimed at building resilient and diversified supply chains while supporting project financing and improving management of critical mineral resources.

“This reflects the growing depth of India-US cooperation at a time when global challenges are creating both risks and opportunities,” Jaishankar said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as a practical demonstration of the strategic partnership between the two countries and its importance to their national interests.

He said India and the US share a common objective of ensuring reliable long-term access to critical minerals and strengthening supply chains that support innovation-driven economies.

Rubio also highlighted the US-backed Pax Silica initiative, noting that discussions gained momentum after India joined the initiative following participation in the Critical Minerals Forum held in Washington DC on February 4.

He emphasised that advanced economies cannot remain dependent on single-source suppliers for foundational industrial materials, warning that such dependence could create vulnerabilities and strategic leverage during times of tension. Describing the agreement as more than a symbolic document, Rubio said it demonstrates the practical and expanding nature of India-US strategic cooperation.

Launched in December, the Pax Silica initiative aims to develop secure, resilient, and innovation-focused supply chains for critical minerals and artificial intelligence technologies.