India and Australia Forge Strong Ties to Secure Critical Minerals for Energy Future
April 18, 2025
The India-Australia Critical Minerals Research Partnership exemplifies their commitment to joint research and innovation in this vital sector.
An assessment by India identified 30 key minerals, including lithium and cobalt, with demand projected to double by 2030, underscoring the need for a reliable supply chain.
The global trade landscape is increasingly influenced by protectionist policies and geopolitical tensions, which heighten vulnerabilities in supply chains.
China's dominance in the critical minerals value chain poses challenges for countries like India, the US, and the EU, which are seeking alternative sources.
The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) has facilitated this partnership by removing tariffs on critical minerals.
The National Critical Minerals Mission, announced in the 2024 Budget, includes A$7 billion in funding aimed at securing resources crucial for energy transition and technology development.
A recent Australia-India Critical Minerals Roundtable in Sydney highlighted the complexities of the global critical minerals market, with industry leaders describing the situation as a national crisis.
As India's sixth largest trading partner, Australia sees India as a significant investment destination, reflecting the evolving relationship formalized by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
India's National Critical Minerals Mission and Production-Linked Incentive schemes are central to its strategy for securing a steady supply of essential mining resources.
The partnership is further strengthened by joint ventures, technology transfer programs, and academic collaborations, solidifying their economic ties.
India and Australia are deepening their collaboration on critical minerals to bolster economic and energy security in light of global supply chain vulnerabilities.
Australia, a global leader in critical minerals extraction, boasts significant reserves of lithium, cobalt, and graphite, while India is rapidly increasing its consumption driven by clean energy goals.
Summary based on 2 sources
Get a daily email with more Global Economy stories
Sources

CSEP - Centre for Social and Economic Progress • Apr 17, 2025
India-Australia Cooperation: Critical Minerals for Economic Security