India, France to Boost Cooperation in Critical Minerals Sector
India and France have made a major move to enhance collaboration in the critical minerals area, convening the first meeting of the India-France Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals in New Delhi as both nations aim to establish robust supply chains for resources vital to clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and strategic sectors.
The gathering on July 6 was jointly led by Benjamin Gallezot, France's Interministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals and Metals Supplies, and Kadam Sandeep Vasant, Joint Secretary overseeing the National Critical Mineral Mission at India's Ministry of Mines.
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A statement from the French Embassy indicated that the talks focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the exploration, processing, and recycling of critical minerals and rare earth elements, aiming to establish sustainable and varied supply chains in light of growing global demand and increasing geopolitical rivalry over essential resources.
Representatives from both nations recognized shared interests and examined possible joint initiatives not only in India and France but also in other countries with abundant mineral resources.
The gathering also united specialists from France's Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI), who explored methods to enhance their enduring scientific collaboration. The two geological organizations decided to collaborate on efforts to enhance comprehension of the complete critical minerals value chain, from resource identification and exploration to extraction, processing, and recycling.
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During his two-day trip to New Delhi, Gallezot also met with Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor to discuss strategic elements of critical mineral security. He also engaged with representatives from the Indian industry during a session hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), emphasizing prospects for commercial and technological partnerships between enterprises in both nations.
The visit comes after the signing of the France-India Joint Declaration of Intent regarding Cooperation in Critical Minerals during French President Emmanuel Macron's trip to India in February this year. The declaration established a basis for enhanced collaboration in mineral exploration, mining, research and innovation, supply chain diversification, and the advancement of circular economy practices, such as the recycling of strategic minerals.
The recent interaction highlights the increasing significance both nations place on obtaining minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements, crucial for producing batteries, electric vehicles, semiconductors, renewable energy technologies, and defense equipment.
India has enhanced initiatives to decrease reliance on imported essential minerals via the National Critical Mineral Mission, aimed at bolstering domestic exploration, international mineral collaborations, and processing capacity. New Delhi has been actively seeking mineral cooperation agreements with various nations as part of its larger strategy to obtain raw materials needed for its clean energy transition and production goals.
In December 2022, France set up its Interministerial Delegation for the Supply of Strategic Minerals and Metals to synchronize governmental initiatives aimed at securing access to vital resources and strengthening industrial resilience. The ministry collaborates with various departments to aid France's energy shift, industrial strength, and strategic independence.
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The establishment of the India-France Joint Working Group signifies the increasing strategic aspect of their bilateral relationship, extending from defence and civil nuclear collaboration to include emerging technologies, energy transition, and supply chain security. As global competition for essential minerals escalates, the collaboration is anticipated to become more vital in aiding the long-term industrial and economic goals of both nations.