critical minerals

India and the US have signed a bilateral framework to secure supplies, mining, and processing of critical minerals and rare earth elements. This agreement aims to strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains, fostering collaboration on financing and management of these vital resources. The pact underscores the strategic importance of the growing partnership between the two nations.

Deccan Gold Mines has announced a significant discovery of nickel, copper, and palladium mineralisation in Chhattisgarh during initial drilling at its Bhalukona project. This breakthrough could lead to India's first nickel-copper-PGE mine, crucial for the nation's electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. The company's findings reinforce the project's strategic importance for India's critical minerals ecosystem.

The Quad nations have launched a new energy security framework for the Indo-Pacific, focusing on strategic fuel reserves and emergency response to counter supply disruptions. This initiative, announced after a meeting in New Delhi, also emphasizes maritime surveillance, critical minerals cooperation, and trusted infrastructure projects, aiming to bolster regional stability and economic resilience.

Experts urge India to boost domestic gold mining, citing risks of import reliance. The Jonnagiri project is highlighted as a model for scientific exploration and private investment. Faster approvals and policy stability are crucial to unlock India's vast untapped mineral wealth, reduce foreign exchange outflow, and foster regional development.

India is set to host a crucial Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) meeting, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expected to attend. This high-level gathering, involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia, is seen as a strategic move to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. The meeting will likely address critical mineral supply chains and regional security concerns.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New Delhi to review the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Discussions covered trade, energy, defense, AI, and counter-terrorism, with both sides emphasizing their 'strategic ally' status and shared interests. India highlighted its strategy to diversify energy sources for security amid global uncertainties.

India and Italy have elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership, fostering deeper cooperation in defence, technology, and trade. A defence roadmap for co-development and co-production of military platforms was agreed upon, alongside an ambitious €20 billion trade target by 2029. Discussions also covered global security, including West Asia and Ukraine, and maritime cooperation.

A Florida teenager's garage-built motor model is gaining attention for addressing the electric vehicle industry's reliance on rare-earth magnets. His project, based on a synchronous reluctance motor, aims to reduce dependence on these critical minerals, a challenge governments and manufacturers are also tackling worldwide. The invention highlights the ongoing search for alternatives without compromising performance.

Prime Minister Modi's five-nation tour secured nearly $40 billion in investment, with over 50 global firms pledging fresh capital and expansion. Key sectors like semiconductors, defence, and energy saw significant commitments. India elevated ties with the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy, fostering strategic partnerships and boosting economic cooperation.

Foreign Minister of Australia, Penny Wong, announced that she will visit India to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting and hold the Australia-India Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament on February 1, 2026 with a focus on driving economic growth and making India a developed country by 2047, under the Viksit Bharat vision.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated a "beneficial" and "sustainable" trade deal with India is likely, following significant progress. He emphasized that the Trump administration's trade policy aims to address global imbalances, not target specific nations. Rubio's visit also included discussions on critical minerals, energy, and defense, while India raised concerns about US visa policies.

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