India Aligns with U.S.-Led Critical Minerals Alliance, Signaling Strategic Shift in Global Supply Chain Dynamics

In a decisive geopolitical maneuver, India has formally joined the U.S.-hosted Critical Minerals Partnership, comprising 54 nations, during a summit attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. This alignment represents a calculated pivot in New Delhi's foreign policy, directly countering China's dominance in rare earth elements and strategic mineral supply chains. The partnership, initiated under the previous U.S. administration, establishes a framework for secure access to minerals essential for advanced technologies, renewable energy infrastructure, and defense systems. India's participation underscores its intent to diversify strategic dependencies and bolster domestic manufacturing under initiatives like 'Make in India.' Analysts interpret this move as part of a broader Indo-Pacific strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese-controlled resources, which currently account for over 60% of global rare earth production. The collaboration is expected to facilitate technology transfers, joint ventures, and investment in Indian mining sectors, while potentially reshaping global trade corridors. This development follows recent bilateral trade agreements, indicating strengthened U.S.-India economic ties amid escalating great-power competition. The strategic calculus appears clear: securing alternative mineral supply chains is now a cornerstone of national security and economic resilience for participating nations.