Masterstroke by Modi govt, China’s plan failed as India to sign deal with this country for rare earth elements, country is…, not US, Russia, UK, Europe, Saudi Arabia, name is…

India is going through major industrial transformation, with rare earth elements and other critical minerals highly required for it. China holds a monopoly over these rare minerals and has imposed export restrictions on them. After which India has taken several major steps toward becoming self-reliant in this sector.

In a move to reduce dependence on China, India has advanced its partnership with Australia, also known as the Kangaroo Nation, in the field of rare earths .

India-Australia Rare Earth Deal

“They (India and Australia) are talking about rare earth and there are blocks available. So there is an opportunity for India to take an early-stage block and have tie-ups with a few companies,” Malini Dutt, Trade and Investment Commissioner, New South Wales Government, Australia, said.

The development has more importance for India in the wake of rare earth magnet shortage caused by Chinese export restrictions.

Besides rare earth, both private and public sectors in India have shown interest in copper blocks in Australia, she said on the sidelines of India Energy Storage Week (IESW) 2025, organised by India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA).

Australia has reiterated its commitment to becoming a supplier of critical minerals to India, especially as global demand for rare earth elements continues to rise due to their essential use in electric vehicles and other advanced technologies.

Last week, Philip Green emphasised the urgency of establishing a smoother supply chain for Australian critical minerals, particularly lithium, to India, as part of broader efforts to enhance the country’s green energy sector.

Green highlighted Australia’s role as a major producer of critical minerals and its strategic importance as a Quad member, noting that one of the aspects of the alliance is to ensure “high-quality supplies” of these minerals are available to India. 

Australia’s Support To India

Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, on Wednesday reflected on Australia’s support for India’s push towards renewable energy.

While speaking at the India Energy Storage Week (IESW), Phillip Green said, “We strongly support India’s drive towards renewables. India is very important to the world.”

Green emphasised the scale and seriousness of Australia’s involvement. “We have more than 22 companies and around 40 people here, virtually all the Australian states are involved,” he said.

“We are very strong in minerals and metals that are essential for battery storage. We are very strong in skills and capabilities, and universities and technical colleges are very important for upskilling and the Indian population for the new green energy revolution,” he noted.

Highlighting Australia’s strength in innovation, Green added, “We also have a very high level of. Of green tech, nine Australia is a place with a large amount of innovation, but the population is small and a long way from a large supply chain.”

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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