New Delhi, Jan 18: India is enhancing its partnerships with African nations to secure rare earth minerals essential for technology, green energy, and defense industries. This shift represents a move towards mutually beneficial relationships, contrasting with previous exploitative trade practices.
With China controlling about 90% of global rare earth supplies and tightening export restrictions, Africa’s untapped reserves of critical minerals like neodymium, dysprosium, cobalt, and lithium are becoming vital for India’s Critical Mineral Mission, aimed at stable resource access for clean energy and manufacturing. India’s investments in Africa emphasize long-term cooperation that supports local development.
The partnerships, involving countries such as Zambia and Zimbabwe, include long-term agreements that ensure mineral supply while promoting local industrialization. Indian public sector firms, like NLC India Limited, are exploring lithium and cobalt opportunities, focusing on research and local value addition.
The Ministry of External Affairs advocates for an equal partnership model that fosters joint ventures, skill development, and infrastructure support, ensuring that Africa can leverage its resources for sustainable economic growth. These collaborations aim to create jobs and boost industrial bases in African countries, while India seeks critical minerals to meet its economic and clean energy objectives.
