Budget 2026: Modi govt's big rare earth metal move amid US-China 'war' over minerals key for tech

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will step up support for India’s rare earths sector, including creating dedicated rare earth corridors in mineral‑rich states such as Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Odisha to spur extraction, processing and allied industries. The move is aimed at boosting strategic mineral self‑reliance, attracting investment, and integrating these states into high‑value supply chains for clean energy, electronics, and defence applications.