India & Central Asia Push for Rare Earths Collaboration Amid Strategic Minerals Boom

India and five Central Asian nations have called for an early meeting of the India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum, reinforcing their commitment to joint exploration of rare earths and critical minerals. The announcement was made following the fourth edition of the India-Central Asia Dialogue, held in New Delhi today.

 

The joint statement emphasized the strategic importance of rare earths, which are crucial for high-tech industries, defense applications, and clean energy solutions. India, along with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, aims to strengthen cooperation in mineral exploration, processing, and trade.

 

Experts view this initiative as a game-changer, potentially reducing dependence on China for rare earth supplies while boosting India’s domestic capabilities. The meeting is expected to accelerate investment in mining infrastructure and facilitate technology exchange between participating nations.

 

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Source: Yahoo Finance | Indian Defense News | Financial Express