India & Central Asia Boost Rare Earth Cooperation At Delhi Meet

India and five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—have jointly expressed interest in the exploration and development of rare earths and critical minerals.

India announced the partnership during the fourth India-Central Asia Dialogue held in New Delhi.

The dialogue comes at a time of heightened global concern, as China tightens exports of rare earth alloys and magnets essential to multiple sectors, including clean energy, defence, and automotive manufacturing.

Rare Earth Forum Revival & Future Cooperation

The countries jointly called upon their respective authorities to convene the next session of the India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum.

The last such meeting was held in September, and the next is expected in 2026.

The ministers encouraged exchange of official delegations and technical experts to identify new areas of cooperation in critical mineral supply chains.

Rare earths—a group of 17 vital elements—are essential for the manufacture of magnets used in smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and missile systems.

Currently, China mines nearly 60% of the world’s rare earths and produces about 90% of rare earth magnets.

Its recent export restrictions have prompted countries like India to diversify their sources and enhance self-reliance.

To reduce dependence on Chinese imports, India is holding discussions with firms to set up strategic stockpiles of rare earth magnets.

The government is also preparing a new incentive scheme to promote domestic recycling of 24 critical minerals, a move that aligns with India’s larger ambition for a green energy transition.

The joint declaration underlines a shared vision for a stable and reliable mineral supply chain.

It also paves the way for collaborative investments, technology exchange, and policy coordination.

For India, this initiative enhances its strategic autonomy and ensures resource availability for clean energy and digital transformation.

India’s outreach to Central Asia, backed by shared geopolitical and economic interests, promises a resilient partnership in critical mineral exploration, vital for the future of sustainable technology and industrial security.

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