New Delhi – India and France convened their inaugural joint working group on critical minerals on Thursday, aiming to deepen cooperation on securing supply chains for materials essential to clean‑energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and other strategic sectors. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both governments, including India’s Minister of Mines and Steel and Industrial Policy Mohan Bansal and France’s Secretary of State for Industry Élisabeth Borne’s deputy, Jean‑Pierre Le Guen.
The two sides reviewed progress on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022 that set out a framework for collaboration on the exploration, extraction, processing and recycling of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare‑earth elements. Both countries said they would exchange technical expertise, promote joint research projects and explore avenues for private‑sector investment to diversify sources away from dominant exporters.
“Ensuring a resilient and sustainable supply of critical minerals is vital for our shared clean‑energy transition and industrial competitiveness,” Bansal told reporters after the talks. French officials echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for “transparent, responsible sourcing” and the development of “green‑friendly processing technologies.”
Analysis: The dialogue reflects a broader strategic push by India to reduce dependence on China for critical inputs, a concern highlighted after recent export curbs on rare‑earths. France, meanwhile, is seeking to bolster its own supply chain security in line with the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Action Plan. By aligning their policies, the two nations could create a complementary network of projects—India’s large mining base and France’s advanced processing capabilities—potentially attracting multinational firms seeking diversified sourcing. However, concrete outcomes such as joint ventures or financing mechanisms were not disclosed, leaving the next steps largely procedural.
Sources
– NDTV, “India, France hold first joint working group meeting on critical minerals,” https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-france-hold-first-joint-working-group-meeting-on-critical-minerals-11739763#publisher=newsstand.
Story synopsis gathered from: NDTV – India News — source
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