India Expands Search for Critical Minerals

India is intensifying its search for critical minerals, with the Geological Survey of India undertaking 195 exploration projects in 2024-25 compared to 433 in the previous three seasons. The focus includes 16 Critical Mineral Assessment Programs across ten states, aiming to identify essential minerals for technology, defense, and clean energy, as the country seeks to reduce import dependence. Meanwhile, a UK think tank, Labour Together, suggests the UK must 'de-risk' its supply chains from China, citing that China's dominance in critical minerals poses risks, particularly after Brexit. However, some analysts warn that this approach could destabilize supply chains rather than protect them. China currently controls a significant portion of the global supply of critical minerals, raising concerns for countries like India and the US regarding their dependency. As nations grapple with these issues, balancing cooperation with China and strengthening domestic capabilities will be critical for securing mineral resources.