India, US sign bilateral framework on critical minerals supply

India and the United States signed a bilateral framework on Tuesday to secure the supply and processing of critical minerals and rare earths, deepening cooperation across the entire supply chain during the Quad foreign affairs meeting in New Delhi. India's Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the document following the quadrilateral discussions, marking a significant step in bilateral economic security cooperation.

Jaishankar stated that the agreement aims to strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains for strategic materials essential to both economies. "It will strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains," he said, describing the accord as one "more sign" of close cooperation in a world facing numerous challenges and opportunities.

Strategic supply chain concerns

Rubio emphasized that both nations cannot afford to leave foundational materials vulnerable to single-source monopolies that could deny access during conflicts or serve as leverage against sovereign interests. "We are two countries that have strategic interests in ensuring reliable long-term access to critical minerals and supply chains that are important for our innovation economy," he said, underscoring the geopolitical imperative of reducing dependence on dominant suppliers.

Diplomatic visit

The signing occurred during Rubio's four-day maiden visit to India, which began last week and included participation in the Quad ministerial gathering. The framework represents a concrete outcome of Washington's renewed focus on Indo-Pacific partnerships amid growing competition for control over critical mineral resources essential for defense and technology sectors.