India, Japan Vow Closer Cooperation on Critical Minerals

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India and Japan agreed on Thursday to strengthen cooperation on important minerals, vowing to create more resilient supply chains for resources used in industries such as electric vehicles, electronics, renewable energy, and defence. The statement followed meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit.

The two leaders also signed agreements on AI, energy, metals, and economic security. Modi said India's software competence and Japan's precise technology could speed global AI development, while both countries established a cooperative strategy to boost economic resilience.

India and Japan are looking to diversify their reserves of vital minerals as global supply chains face increased geopolitical concerns and a reliance on China, the world's biggest processor and exporter of many of these resources. The cooperation is projected to benefit vital industries and increase long-term economic security.

The summit also brought in the first India-Japan defence co-development agreement, as well as new renewable energy projects, such as a plan to build 1,000 biogas and organic fertiliser plants in India. Japan remains one of India's top investors, with bilateral trade valued at $27.5 billion in the financial year 2025 to 26.