India and the United States signed a major framework agreement to enhance cooperation in the mining, processing and supply of critical minerals and rare earths, further strengthening strategic and economic ties between the two countries. The Framework on “Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths” was signed in New Delhi by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Focus on Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Supply Chains
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the new framework aims to deepen India-US collaboration across the entire critical minerals and rare earths value chain. This includes mining, processing, recycling, financing and investments related to critical minerals. The agreement also seeks to build resilient and diversified supply chains while promoting cooperation in the efficient management and recycling of critical minerals and rare earth scrap. The partnership comes at a time when countries worldwide are focusing on securing access to critical minerals that are essential for advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, semiconductors, electric vehicles and defence applications.
Building on Existing India-US Cooperation
The latest framework further strengthens ongoing India-US cooperation in securing critical supply chains across key sectors. The MEA noted that India became a signatory to the US-led Pax Silica initiative on February 20, 2026. Additionally, India and the United States signed a joint statement on the “India-US AI Opportunity Partnership” as a bilateral addendum to the Declaration. These initiatives collectively reflect the expanding technology and strategic partnership between the two countries.
Collaboration Through FORGE Initiative
India and the United States are also collaborating under the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE) initiative, which focuses on strengthening cooperation in critical mineral resource development and supply chain resilience. Critical minerals and rare earth elements play a crucial role in modern industrial ecosystems, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, battery manufacturing, aerospace, electronics and artificial intelligence. As reported by ddnews.gov.in, with global competition for these resources intensifying, the India-US framework is expected to support long-term supply security, technological collaboration and sustainable resource management for both countries.
