US and India Sign Critical Minerals Pact in New Delhi

The United States and India signed a bilateral framework in New Delhi on May 26, 2026, to secure the supply and processing of critical minerals and rare earths. Signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the pact focuses on deepening cooperation across mining, processing, recycling, and investment. The agreement specifically targets the creation of resilient supply chains for semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense technologies to reduce strategic dependence on China-dominated sources.

This bilateral agreement coincided with a broader Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi. Alongside Australia and Japan, the partners unveiled the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework, pledging up to $20 billion in government and private sector support to diversify mineral supply chains and counter non-market trade practices. The group also launched the Indo-Pacific Energy Security initiative, including a new Fuel Security Forum, and committed to advancing 5G, 6G, and artificial intelligence through interoperable architectures.

Additional strategic actions included a Quad-led port infrastructure project in Fiji and efforts to secure undersea cable systems for Pacific Islands Forum countries by 2026. During the diplomatic visit, Secretary Rubio also signed a separate partnership charter and critical minerals agreement with Armenia. The collaboration follows India's February entry into Pax Silica, a U.S.-led coalition for economic security and artificial intelligence.