India Secures Critical Mineral Deals With France and Indonesia

India has intensified efforts to secure resilient supply chains for critical minerals through high-level diplomatic engagements with France and Indonesia. On July 6, 2026, in New Delhi, Narendra Modi's administration convened the first India-France Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals. Co-chaired by Benjamin Gallezot of France and Kadam Sandeep Vasant of India, the group focused on the exploration, processing, and recycling of rare earth elements. This collaboration follows a Joint Declaration of Intent signed by President Emmanuel Macron and Modi in February 2026 and involves technical cooperation between the French Geological Survey and the Geological Survey of India.

On July 7, 2026, Prime Minister Modi traveled to Jakarta for bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Istana Merdeka. The leaders emphasized the need for diversified supply chains to bolster domestic manufacturing and economic security. As a result of these talks, a consortium including Midwest Limited and the Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia's state-owned enterprise, PT Perusahaan Mineral Nasional. The agreement establishes a framework for joint activities across the rare earth value chain, ranging from mining to the production of rare earth magnets, supporting India's National Critical Mineral Mission and its green energy transition goals.