India has broadened its international connections to ensure a stable supply of vital minerals and enhance semiconductor supply chains. In the last two years, the country has inked deals with 24 nations and is in talks with 11 others. This move is part of India’s strategy to lessen reliance on limited supply sources and secure long-term access to minerals crucial for clean energy, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, defense, and semiconductor manufacturing.
The Ministry of Mines reports that India has established a strategic network across North America, Europe, Africa, West Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. This network goes beyond just sourcing raw materials and includes collaboration in mineral exploration, mining, processing, technology transfer, investment, and ensuring resilient supply chains.
India has already set up partnership frameworks with various countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, and Australia, among others. These collaborations encompass a wide array of strategic resources such as lithium, cobalt, copper, rare earth elements, and other critical minerals. Additionally, cooperation extends to semiconductor technologies, energy security, and investment.
Furthermore, India is engaged in discussions with countries like Chile, Peru, Zambia, Bolivia, and others to enhance cooperation in lithium, copper, rare earths, and other vital mineral resources. A significant aspect of this strategy is to bolster India’s semiconductor ecosystem. Collaborations with tech leaders such as Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States aim to boost domestic chip manufacturing capabilities and enhance India’s integration into global semiconductor supply chains.
Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements are essential for various applications including EV batteries, renewable energy storage, defense systems, aerospace technologies, and high-end electronics. Securing a dependable supply of these materials has become a key focus for nations aiming to expedite clean energy transitions and reduce vulnerability to geopolitical supply disruptions.
