India, US strengthen clean energy supply chain ties with new minerals framework

India and the United States have signed a new strategic framework for cooperation on critical minerals, deepening bilateral collaboration in an area increasingly viewed as central to global economic security and advanced technology competition.

The agreement was signed during talks between senior officials from both countries and is aimed at improving coordination across critical mineral supply chains, processing technologies, investment and research cooperation.

Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements are considered essential for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy systems, defence equipment and high-end electronics.

The framework comes as countries worldwide attempt to reduce dependence on concentrated mineral supply chains dominated by a handful of nations.

India and the US said the partnership would focus on building resilient and diversified supply networks while encouraging collaboration between governments, research institutions and private industry.

The two countries are also expected to cooperate on mineral exploration, extraction, processing and recycling technologies.

The agreement aligns with broader efforts by both governments to strengthen strategic and economic ties in emerging technology sectors.

Critical minerals have become a major geopolitical issue in recent years because they form the backbone of modern industrial technologies and clean energy transitions.

Global demand for lithium and rare earth materials has surged because of rapid growth in electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, solar energy infrastructure and semiconductor production.

Many countries have expressed concerns about overdependence on limited global suppliers, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade competition.

India has been actively seeking to expand access to critical minerals as part of its push toward clean energy manufacturing, domestic battery production and technology sector growth.

The government has also launched exploration projects and international partnerships to secure long-term mineral supplies.

The minerals framework adds to a broader expansion of India-US cooperation across defence, technology, semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain security.

In recent years, the two countries have signed multiple agreements covering areas such as emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, clean energy and defence production.

Washington has increasingly described India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, while New Delhi has sought deeper collaboration with the US in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.

The latest agreement also reflects growing global competition over access to resources considered essential for future industrial and technological development.

Officials from both sides said the framework would help strengthen long-term cooperation while supporting economic growth, technological innovation and secure supply chains.