Context

India is actively deepening its participation in global mini-lateral platforms such as the Quad (India, Japan, Australia, and the US) and the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP). These partnerships mark a crucial shift in India’s critical minerals strategy—especially in the context of the global green energy transition and India’s dependence on Chinese mineral supply chains.

A notable move came recently when Quad foreign ministers launched the Critical Minerals Initiative, aimed at diversifying and securing mineral inputs vital to clean technologies.

Why Critical Minerals Matter

• Definition: Critical minerals are essential for a nation’s economic growth and security but have fragile and geopolitically sensitive supply chains.
• Key Uses: Minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are indispensable for:
• Electric Vehicles (EVs)
• Solar panels
• Semiconductors
• Battery storage systems
• Risks for India: Heavy reliance on China (e.g., rare earth magnets) leaves India vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions and supply shocks.

India’s Domestic Challenges in the Critical Minerals Sector

• Underdeveloped Ecosystem:
• Reserves remain underexplored.
• India entered late into the global critical mineral race.
• Domestic firms lack both capital and advanced extraction technologies.
• Political Risk Abroad:
• Investment hesitancy due to political instability in mineral-rich countries (e.g., in Africa, Latin America).
• Bilateral Agreements – Limited Gains:
• Argentina and Zambia: Agreements focus on exploration and mining.
• UAE, UK, US: Focus on downstream areas like processing and recycling.
• Without secured upstream access, India risks developing stranded processing infrastructure.

Mini-lateral Groupings: Strategic Opportunity for India

• Advantages of Mini-lateral Clubs (e.g., Quad, MSP):
• Pool resources (technical, financial, diplomatic).
• Enable blended finance, credit guarantees, and shared infrastructure.
• Promote co-development of resilient and diverse supply chains.
• Leveraging Partners’ Strengths:
• Australia and Japan: Leaders in mineral exploration, refining, and technology.
• Collaboration mitigates risk, enhances R&D, and accelerates clean-tech capabilities.

Safeguards and Strategic Risks for India

• Avoiding Unequal Value Chains:
• Risk: India becoming only a processing/transit hub, while high-value activities remain in developed countries.
• India must push for:
• Technology transfer
• IPR-sharing
• R&D investment commitments
• Guarding Against Global Protectionism:
• Future political shifts (e.g., Trump-era isolationism) could disrupt access.
• India should ensure:
• Transparent trade rules
• Mutual obligations
• Guaranteed access to critical raw materials

Aligning Diplomacy with National and Global Priorities

• Domestic Goals:
• Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat seek:
• Self-reliance in critical mineral value chains
• Export-led clean technology industries
• Global Standards:
• Engagement with mini-laterals promotes adherence to:
• ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) norms
• Supply chain transparency
• Sustainability targets
• Championing the Global South:
• India’s historic and diaspora ties with Africa and Southeast Asia offer a platform to:
• Bridge Global North-South interests
• Advocate for fair resource governance
• Support scientific and economic sovereignty in the developing world

Conclusion

India’s participation in mini-lateral platforms like the Quad and MSP is not just strategic—it’s necessary. These alliances help India:

• Secure access to critical minerals
• Reduce dependency on China
• Accelerate green tech development

To succeed, India must:

• Balance foreign partnerships with domestic capacity-building
• Negotiate fair and equitable terms
• Uphold its commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth

The goal should be to emerge as a responsible global green power, not just a mineral transit route, and do so without falling into the orbit of any single geopolitical bloc.