India and US Sign Critical Minerals Deal

India and the United States of America signed a bilateral agreement on Tuesday to secure the supply, mining, and processing of critical minerals and rare earth elements. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar announced the agreement after bilateral discussions and the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting, highlighting its strategic importance. The agreement aims to facilitate the supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements, including mining, processing, promotion, and related investments, strengthening supply chains and assisting with financing. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the agreement highlights India's importance to the United States and is a concrete example of their strategic alliance.