Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 26: India and the United States on Tuesday signed a framework agreement to strengthen cooperation in ensuring stable and secure supplies of critical minerals, amid growing global concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities and China’s export restrictions on rare earth elements.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described the framework as “timely and critical”, saying it will deepen bilateral cooperation across the entire critical minerals value chain, including mining, processing, recycling and investment.

He said the initiative will help build resilient and diversified supply chains while improving financing mechanisms and management of strategic mineral resources.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, saying it reflects the strong partnership between the two countries and their shared interest in securing long-term access to essential resources.

Rubio said the deal is a tangible example of cooperation between the two nations, adding that modern innovation-driven economies cannot afford dependence on single-source supply chains for critical materials.

He also referred to the US-backed “Pax Silica” initiative, which aims to build secure and resilient supply chains for critical minerals and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Officials said the framework is expected to strengthen collaboration between India and the US in strategic sectors, reduce supply chain risks, and promote investment in critical mineral exploration and processing projects.