India-US sign critical minerals cooperation framework

The United States and India on Tuesday signed a bilateral Critical Minerals Framework, marking a milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations to ensure that the foundational elements required for advanced technology and energy are available within trusted networks. A readout by the US Embassy & Consulates in India said, this Framework sets a path toward reliable and resilient mineral supply chains, reinforcing key objectives set established by President Trump and Prime Minster Modi in the United States-India Joint Leaders’ Statement.
The framework was signed on the sidelines of the Quad foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi. "It is something very timely and critical," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "This framework aims to deepen our cooperation across the entire critical minerals and rare earth supply chain, including mining, processing, recycling and related investment," he said.The external affairs minister said the framework will strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, help finance projects, and ensure effective management of critical minerals and rare earths.
This agreement builds upon the foundational groundwork laid in February 2026 during high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., where Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE). Through this framework, the United States and India will engage in international efforts to protect sensitive supply chains from coercive market practices and reduce our collective vulnerability to single-source monopolies.