India In Talks Over Critical Minerals Deals With Brazil, Canada; How Will It Reduce Dependence On China? 

In an attempt to reduce over-dependence on arch-rival China, India is reportedly in talks with several other countries over deals to jointly explore, extract, process, and recycle critical minerals. India has initiated talks with Brazil, Canada, France, and the Netherlands to jointly work on the projects. The step is critical as New Delhi has broadened its global outreach to secure supplies of key raw materials for multiple purposes. However, as per the experts, the whole process of mining from discovery to production can take several years.

As India continues talks with other countries over processing the critical minerals, the focus will be on lithium and rare earths, reported Reuters, citing sources. Apart from the joint projects, New Delhi is also likely to seek access to mineral-processing technologies to boost its infrastructure. "There are requests and we are talking to France, Netherlands and Brazil while the agreement with Canada is under active consideration," the source was quoted as saying by Reuters.

ALSO READ: France Rape Scandal: Former Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 89 Children Across Multiple Countries

He further asserted that the Ministry of Mines is leading the effort, adding that New Delhi has decided to reduce dependence on China. As per the mining experts, India has decided to reach out to other countries due to a surge in demands and to reduce dependence on China, which dominates global supplies of many precious minerals.

India has decided to approach other countries as it accelerates its energy transition to cut emissions, reported Reuters, citing mining experts. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's probable visit to India in early March is likely to be crucial for both countries. Carney is likely to sign deals on uranium, energy, minerals, and artificial intelligence.

ALSO READ: Bengal Election: Mamata Banerjee's Twin Strategy- Welfare Schemes And Visual Narrative | Explained

While addressing the issue, Canada's Natural Resources Department, while referring to a January statement, said that both sides had agreed to formalise cooperation on critical minerals in the coming weeks.