India advances talks on critical minerals deals with Brazil, Canada, France, and the Netherlands to secure lithium and rare earth supplies amid global supply chain risks.
India is in discussions with Brazil, Canada, France, and the Netherlands over critical minerals deals. These talks aim to enable joint exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling of key resources like lithium and rare earths. Officials revealed the negotiations on 10 February 2026 to reduce reliance on China and support India’s energy transition.
The story holds significance for South Asia. India’s push for India critical minerals security could stabilise regional energy markets. Pakistan and other neighbours may benefit from shared technology transfers and reduced dependence on single suppliers. This aligns with broader efforts to foster economic resilience in the region.
Ongoing Critical Minerals Deals
India’s Ministry of Mines leads the negotiations. Sources indicate active talks with France, the Netherlands, and Brazil. The agreement with Canada is under consideration. These critical minerals deals focus on lithium deals India needs for batteries and electric vehicles.
A source stated: “There are requests and we are talking to France, Netherlands and Brazil while the agreement with Canada is under active consideration.”
Canada’s Natural Resources Department referred to a January 2026 statement: “Both sides had agreed to formalise cooperation on critical minerals in the coming weeks.”
The deals mirror India’s recent pact with Germany. Signed on 12 January 2026, it covers exploration, processing, recycling, and asset development in both nations and third countries.
India seeks access to mineral-processing technologies through these India mineral agreements. This would aid in handling cobalt, graphite, and rare earths. Mining experts note that exploration takes 5-7 years and often yields no viable mines.
On 10 February 2026, India’s Minister of State for Coal and Mines met a French delegation in Cape Town. The meeting emphasised international cooperation in mining and critical minerals. It highlighted sustainable growth and resilient supply chains.
Lithium Deals India Prioritises
Lithium remains central to these critical minerals deals. India identified over 20 critical minerals in 2023, including lithium, for its industrial demand. The country has signed pacts with Argentina, Australia, and Japan. Talks continue with Peru and Chile.
These India mineral agreements aim to diversify sources. China dominates global supplies of critical minerals and processing. India’s outreach follows G7 discussions in Washington in January 2026 on rare earth supply chains.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington on 4 February 2026. He supported structured international cooperation to reduce risks in global critical minerals supply chains.
Jaishankar noted India’s National Critical Minerals Mission and Rare Earth Corridors. He backed the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement initiative.
Background
India’s strategy on India critical minerals stems from its energy transition goals. The nation targets net-zero emissions by 2070. Critical minerals power renewables, electronics, and defence.
In 2023, India listed lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earths as essential. Domestic reserves are limited. Recycling plays a role. The EPR portal for Battery Waste Management produces lithium, nickel, cobalt, and cadmium through recycling.
India attended the 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial in the US. Hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, it included 54 countries. The event focused on reshaping global markets for critical minerals and rare earths.
The US signed new bilateral frameworks with several nations. India participated to strengthen supply chain resilience and clean energy transitions.
These efforts build on prior statements. At the G20 Summit on 22 November 2025, Prime Minister Modi called critical minerals a shared resource for sustainability.
The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July 2025 expressed concern over supply chain constrictions for critical minerals.
What’s Next
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney visits India in early March 2026. Deals on uranium, energy, minerals, and AI are expected. This could finalise the critical minerals agreement.
Talks with Brazil, France, and the Netherlands may progress. India plans broader India mineral agreements. Investments in exploration and infrastructure are key. The focus remains on reducing China dependence through diverse partnerships.
In conclusion, these India critical minerals initiatives position the nation for sustained growth in clean energy.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 11th, 2026
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