India, Central Asia eye joint exploration of rare earths, critical minerals-OxBig News Network

India and the five Central Asian nations have expressed interest in jointly exploring rare earth elements and critical minerals, according to a joint statement issued after the fourth India-Central Asia Dialogue, held in New Delhi on Friday.

The meeting, chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, was attended by Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The ministers highlighted the strategic importance of rare earths and critical minerals — key components in high-end electronics, including semiconductors, satellites, missiles, telecom systems, computers and mobile devices. The India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum, which first met in September 2024, was called upon to convene its second meeting soon. Both sides also encouraged exchange of delegations to explore cooperation in this domain.

The US Geological Survey (USGS), in a July 2024 update, noted that Central Asia remains a significant producer of base and precious metals and hosts untapped reserves of rare earths, particularly across the Tien Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. These include parts of all five Central Asian republics.

Currently, China dominates the global rare earth supply chain — mining about 70 per cent of global output and holding a near-monopoly on refining. In May, China imposed export controls on six heavy rare earth elements and magnets, citing national security and non-proliferation commitments.

At the dialogue, the ministers also stressed the need to boost trade in sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, agriculture, energy, textiles, and gems and jewellery. They praised India’s ITEC Programme for its contribution to capacity building, particularly in technology and English communication skills, and welcomed India’s offer to expand it to more areas of interest.

India also agreed to assist Central Asian countries in developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), further strengthening regional digital connectivity.

The ministers strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed their collective resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms.