India Accelerates Critical Minerals Push, Seeks Strategic Deals with France, Brazil and Canada

India is stepping up efforts to reduce its dependence on China for critical minerals, exploring potential supply and investment agreements with France, Brazil, and Canada, according to a recent report.

The move reflects New Delhi’s broader strategy to secure stable access to key resources essential for clean energy, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

Why Critical Minerals Matter

Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are vital for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, semiconductors, and defense technologies. Currently, China dominates large parts of the global processing and supply chain for many of these materials.

India’s push is aimed at diversifying sourcing channels and strengthening supply chain resilience.

Strategic Partnerships in Focus

France is seen as a potential partner in technology collaboration and access to mineral assets through its global footprint. Brazil offers vast reserves of rare earth elements and other strategic resources, while Canada is known for its rich deposits of lithium and nickel, along with transparent mining regulations.

By engaging with these nations, India hopes to secure long-term agreements covering exploration, extraction, and processing.

Reducing Supply Chain Vulnerability

India’s reliance on Chinese imports for certain processed minerals has raised concerns, particularly as geopolitical tensions reshape global trade flows. Diversifying suppliers is viewed as a way to shield domestic industries from potential disruptions.

Government-backed companies are reportedly evaluating overseas mining investments and joint ventures to ensure a steady supply.

Boost to Clean Energy and Manufacturing

Securing critical minerals is central to India’s ambitions in electric mobility and renewable energy expansion. With domestic EV production targets rising and solar capacity growing, uninterrupted mineral access has become a strategic priority.

Industry analysts say proactive global partnerships could strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem and reduce cost volatility.

Global Race for Resources

India’s outreach comes amid an intensifying global competition for critical minerals. Countries worldwide are forming alliances to safeguard supply chains as demand surges in the transition to green technologies.

Collaborative agreements, rather than spot-market dependence, are increasingly shaping international mineral trade.

The Bottom Line

India’s reported efforts to forge critical mineral deals with France, Brazil, and Canada signal a decisive shift toward supply chain diversification. As geopolitical realities evolve, securing reliable access to strategic resources will remain central to the country’s economic and energy ambitions.