India holds talks with Australia to source and process critical minerals

In order to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals and rare earth magnets, India is also working on a two-prong strategy, a senior official said

India is in talks with Australia to source and jointly process critical minerals and rare earth materials, two government officials said on Sunday, adding that New Delhi also plans to source raw materials essential for electric motors, smartphones and missile technology from other potential free trade partners such as Chile, Peru and Argentina.

Australia has an abundance of critical minerals. (Shutterstock)

This could be part of India-Australia talks to further expand bilateral economic cooperation, they said requesting anonymity because of the confidential nature of the negotiations. New Delhi