India at Critical Minerals Ministerial: Jaishankar pushes for global cooperation to ‘de-risk’ supply chains

Addressing the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, DC, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urged global partners to “de-risk” critical mineral supply chains, warning that their excessive concentration in certain countries poses a major risk to global economic and technological security.

At the meet hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar stressed the importance of structured international cooperation to build resilient and diversified supply networks. These minerals—essential for industries from clean energy to electronics—have in recent years seen production and processing dominated by a few countries, raising strategic vulnerabilities.

“Spoke at the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC today. Underlined challenges of excessive concentration and the importance of de-risking supply chains through structured international cooperation,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

He also highlighted India’s own efforts to strengthen mineral supply resilience, including the National Critical Minerals Mission, creation of Rare Earth Corridors, and promotion of responsible commerce in these resources. India conveyed its support for the FORGE initiative, a US-led framework aimed at boosting cooperation among partner countries on critical mineral supply chains.

Incredible initiative led by @SecRubio! Thrilled that so many vital nations attended the meeting including India, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan! https://t.co/0t8pr7FIDh

— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 4, 2026

The ministerial gathered representatives from more than 50 countries, reflecting broader efforts to reduce dependency on concentrated sources, particularly amid global concerns about supply chain chokepoints and geopolitical leverage. Jaishankar’s comments align with India’s strategic push to secure supply chains for minerals vital to future industries and to expand cooperation with global partners, particularly the United States.

#WATCH | Washington, DC: EAM Dr S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other leaders pose for a family photo at the Critical Minerals Ministerial. pic.twitter.com/wIPnLSdDy0

— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2026

Notably,
Pakistan was not invited to the meet, despite last year’s efforts by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to draw President Trump’s attention to the country’s critical mineral reserves during engagements at the White House.

Why this matters

Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are foundational for batteries, renewable energy systems, semiconductors, and defence technologies.

Their supply chains have become a focus of geopolitics, with countries seeking to ensure diversification and stability to prevent economic or strategic disruption. Jaishankar’s remarks reflect India’s intention to be a key player in global supply chain resilience, not merely a consumer but an active partner in shaping outcomes.