In a landmark development that strengthens India’s economic and strategic position, the country has secured two high-impact critical mineral deals within just 48 hours—one with the Quad alliance (comprising the United States, Japan, and Australia), and the other with Ghana. These agreements, announced in early July 2025, aim to secure vital mineral resources such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements that are essential for electric vehicles (EVs), clean energy, semiconductors, and advanced defense systems.

This double breakthrough signals India’s growing assertiveness in the global race for critical mineral security, while also reinforcing its ambitions under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

Quad Critical Minerals Initiative: Strategic Supply Chain Diversification

On July 1, 2025, the Quad nations formally launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative during a ministerial meeting in Washington, D.C. The event was attended by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

The alliance aims to build resilient and diversified supply chains and reduce global reliance on China, which currently dominates mineral processing and controls large shares of rare earth production.

Key Highlights of the Quad Deal:

• Shared Objectives: The initiative will streamline technology transfer, regulatory cooperation, and infrastructure development across member nations.
• Australia’s Role: As a major producer of lithium, cobalt, and nickel, Australia will act as the key supplier.
• India’s Positioning: India is emerging as a demand and manufacturing hub, with a growing need for EVs and renewable technologies.
• Global Economic Security: The joint statement cited concerns over “economic coercion, price manipulation, and supply chain disruption”, implicitly referring to China’s export restrictions on key minerals earlier this year.

Why the Quad Initiative Matters

China’s near-monopoly over the critical minerals supply chain has caused global alarm—especially after its April 2025 ban on exports of rare earth elements like samarium, gadolinium, and terbium. These materials are essential for India’s EV industry, which heavily depends on Chinese neodymium-iron-boron magnets.

The Quad’s deal aligns closely with India’s National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)—a ₹16,300 crore initiative that promotes domestic exploration, global partnerships, and R&D in mineral processing.

India-Ghana Deal: Africa’s Strategic Mineral Wealth

Just days after the Quad announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a bilateral mineral deal with Ghana, during his historic visit—his first to the West African country in three decades. The agreement represents India’s growing interest in Africa’s vast untapped reserves of critical minerals.

What Makes the Ghana Deal Significant:

• Mineral Resources: Ghana holds large reserves of lithium, bauxite, and manganese, key to clean energy and battery technologies.
• Operational Framework: India’s Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) will partner with Ghanaian agencies for exploration, extraction, and investment.
• Diplomatic Milestone: Modi was awarded Ghana’s highest civilian honor, highlighting the diplomatic importance of the partnership.

India is also expanding partnerships across Namibia, Argentina, and Brazil, reinforcing its long-term vision for global mineral engagement.

A Global Power Play: Resisting China’s Mineral Monopoly

China continues to dominate critical mineral processing, controlling over 85% of Australia’s lithium refining and large portions of the cobalt and rare earth supply chain. The Quad alliance, bolstered by G7’s Critical Minerals Action Plan, seeks to decentralize and democratize access to these resources.

Private-sector interest is also rising: over 40 companies from Quad nations convened in Washington to explore investments, signaling strong momentum.

Implications for India’s Economy and Strategy

These twin deals could be game-changers for India:

• Boosting Domestic Manufacturing: Strengthens India’s EV, battery, and solar industries while reducing dependency on Chinese imports.
• Strategic Diplomacy: Elevates India’s status in the Indo-Pacific and Global South, solidifying its place in the critical minerals arena.
• Sustainable Growth: Emphasizes eco-friendly mining and recycling, aligning with India’s Net Zero 2070 goals.

Key Challenges Ahead

Despite the positive outlook, several hurdles remain:

• Geopolitical Tensions: Proposed U.S. tariffs on Japan (24% starting July 9) could disrupt Quad unity.
• Infrastructure Shortfalls: India and its partners must ramp up processing and refining capabilities to compete with China’s scale.
• Balancing Acts: Managing relations with Quad allies, Russia, Iran, and navigating China’s retaliation requires diplomatic finesse.

Conclusion

India’s strategic mineral deals with the Quad and Ghana are more than trade agreements—they mark the country’s transition into a global stakeholder in the critical minerals economy. These collaborations are timely, visionary, and necessary, especially as the world pivots toward clean energy, green technology, and resilient supply chains.

By securing access to essential resources and reinforcing international partnerships, India is paving the way for a sustainable and self-reliant future.