India, US Finalize Key Critical Minerals Pact Amid China Tensions

India and the US on Tuesday firmed up a key framework for cooperation in ensuring steady supplies of critical minerals, a move that comes amid growing concerns over China's export controls on rare earth elements and strategic metals vital for global technology supply chains. 

The framework on securing supplies of mining and processing of critical minerals was signed on the sidelines of the Quad foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi.

"It is something very timely and



critical," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "This framework aims to deepen our cooperation across the entire critical minerals and rare earth supply chain, including mining, processing, recycling and related investment," he said. 

The external affairs minister said the framework will strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, help financing of projects as well as ensuring effective management of critical minerals and rare earths.