India Expands Critical Minerals Outreach Amid Supply Chain Concerns

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New Delhi: India is engaging in confidential discussions with Brazil, Canada, France and the Netherlands to forge agreements on critical minerals, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The negotiations aim to build cooperation in the joint exploration, extraction, processing and recycling of materials such as lithium and rare earth elements, which are vital for modern technologies and the energy transition.

Officials said that mineral-processing technologies are also a key part of the talks, as India looks to gain capabilities that will support emerging industries at home. The Ministry of Mines is leading the outreach, and while discussions remain confidential, those involved said agreements could mirror aspects of a recent pact India signed with Germany.

Among the four countries, negotiations with Canada are reported to be the most advanced, with a formal cooperation agreement on critical minerals expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. Plans for a visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in early March may accelerate this process, potentially pairing mineral cooperation with deals in energy and technology sectors.

Talks with Brazil, France and the Netherlands are at earlier stages, though Brazil’s vast rare earth potential coupled with growing global demand makes it an important partner. India’s push for such partnerships reflects a strategic effort to diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on dominant suppliers.

India’s move aligns with broader global efforts to cut dependence on China, which currently controls a large share of critical minerals supply and processing capacity worldwide. Securing alternative sources is essential for accelerating renewable energy adoption and supporting electric vehicles and battery manufacturing.

The initiative builds on India’s existing agreements with countries like Argentina, Australia and Japan, and ongoing talks with Peru and Chile.