India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar flagged concerns over global dependence on China for critical minerals during a major international meeting held in Washington, DC. The remarks came at the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Speaking to assembled ministers and delegates from over 50 countries, Jaishankar stressed that the world’s reliance on a concentrated supply of key minerals — including rare earths and other materials crucial for clean energy, defense, and advanced technologies — poses economic and strategic risks. He urged nations to pursue structured international cooperation to diversify and secure supply chains, a move aimed at reducing vulnerability to disruptions.

Jaishankar noted that excessive concentration in supply networks can undermine global resilience and innovation, advocating for multilateral frameworks to spread sourcing and processing capacity beyond one dominant producer. India also reaffirmed support for the newly launched Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), a successor to the US-led Mineral Security Partnership, as a platform for enhanced collaboration.

Also Read: Jaishankar-Rubio Meet Signals New Chapter in India-US Ties Post-Trade Win

The minister highlighted India’s own initiatives to build domestic resilience, including the National Critical Minerals Mission and the establishment of Rare Earth Corridors to strengthen processing and downstream industries. His comments reflect broader Indian aims to reduce reliance on single producers and foster robust global supply networks.

The United States, for its part, has similarly underscored the geopolitical importance of critical minerals. Alongside partner nations, Washington is exploring mechanisms to ensure stable, diversified access to these resources. Discussions at the forum included proposals to enhance joint investment, develop resilient logistics chains, and coordinate policy actions among allied economies.

Analysts say this focus on supply-chain “de-risking” signals a strategic shift in global trade and resource diplomacy, coming amid wider geopolitical competition and concerns over single-country dominance — particularly by China — in key industrial inputs.

Also Read: Jaishankar to Poland: Stop Targeting India, Zero Tolerance For Pakistan Terrorism