Indian media reports say India and five central Asian countries have expressed interest in joint exploration of rare earths and critical minerals. They reportedly stated this on June 6 after the fourth meeting of the India-Central Asia Dialogue, held in New Delhi.
The meeting brought together the External Affairs Minister of India and Minister Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan to discuss issues related to joint exploration of rare earth minerals.
The Economic Times reports that India and five central Asian countries have expressed interest in joint rare earth mineral exploration amid Chinese restrictions
At present, China reportedly mines about 70% of the world's rare earths but has a virtual monopoly on refining and processing.
China on April 4 imposed export controls on six heavy rare earth elements (REEs) and rare earth magnets. The country cited reasons like national security and international obligations such as non-proliferation. The report also mentioned that the Indian government is aware of the growing risks.
ETGovernment says the Ministers also encouraged the exchange of delegations to explore new areas of cooperation in critical minerals.
The Indian government wants to develop domestic manufacturing capabilities and is reportedly considering offering production-based fiscal incentives to companies in the field of rare earth materials.
Meanwhile, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan noted the current level of trade and investment between India and Central Asian countries and stressed the importance of making concerted efforts to realize the full potential of mutual trade, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals, information technology, agriculture, textiles, gems and jewelry, etc, according to ET Government.
Reuters reported on June 6 that India has been in discussions with various companies to build long-term stockpiles of rare earth magnets.
As part of this plan, Indian government is likely to offer fiscal incentives to promote domestic production of these crucial components, according to Reuters.
