Paper: GS – I, Subject: Geography, Topic: Resources – World and India, Issue: Securing Mineral supply chain.
Context:
The Quad nations (India, Japan, Australia, US) launched the Critical Minerals Initiative to secure and diversify supply chains. India is leveraging such partnerships to bolster its minerals diplomacy.
Key Highlights:
Importance of Critical Minerals:
- Green tech: Green technologies like EVs, solar panels, and batteries rely heavily on critical minerals.
- Dependence risks: China’s export controls on rare earths exposed global vulnerabilities. India’s green industries also face risks due to over-dependence on China.
India’s Efforts to Secure Resources
- Bilateral agreements: with resource-rich countries (Argentina, Zambia) for mineral exploration and technology transfer.
- Strategic partnerships: with countries like UAE, US, UK for processing, though sustainability issues persist.
Role of Mineral Clubs/Minitelaterals:
- Cooperation: Clubs offer shared financial, technological, and diplomatic cooperation.
- Overcoming barriers: Help address financial, capital, and technology barriers faced by developing countries like India.
- Collaboration: Encourage joint innovation and co-developed projects.
- Ensures sustainability: Participation in clubs pushes India to align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
- Present global south perspective: India can present Global South perspectives in ESG debates and encourages India to adopt structured ESG practices domestically.
- Geopolitical Significance: India can use historical ties in Africa and Southeast Asia to access critical minerals and strengthen South-South cooperation.
- Push local knowledge: gives India an edge in navigating regional dynamics. India can mediate between Global North and South, enhancing its global leadership role.
Challenges:
- Raw material exporter: Risk that India remains a raw material exporter without high-value addition (processing, R&D).
- Role of developed countries: Developed countries may hoard advanced tech and R&D capacities.
Holistic Strategy needed:
Conclusion:
India’s success in the global mineral supply chain lies in forming inclusive, sustainable mineral clubs, advancing domestic technological capabilities and leveraging diplomacy to create a balanced, multipolar mineral order.
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