Control over critical minerals and rare earth elements has emerged as a defining axis of geopolitical competition in the 21st century. Examine how resource geography shapes foreign

GS1 Geography
Control over critical minerals and rare earth elements has emerged as a defining axis of geopolitical competition in the 21st century. Examine how resource geography shapes foreign policy alignments, with reference to India's strategic partnerships.

Examine

  • 10 marks
  • 8 min
  • 150 words
  • Medium

The Hindu

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Introduction

Critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs) have become indispensable for modern technologies such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and defence equipment. Consequently, control over these resources has emerged as a major determinant of geopolitical power and foreign policy alignments in the 21st century.

Resource Geography and Geopolitical Competition

  • Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earths are unevenly distributed globally.

  • Countries possessing these resources gain strategic leverage in global supply chains.

  • China currently dominates:

    • Nearly 70% of rare earth production
    • Over 85% of processing capacity

  • This concentration has intensified strategic competition among major powers seeking supply-chain diversification and resource security.

Impact on Foreign Policy Alignments

  • Resource-rich countries increasingly influence global diplomatic and economic partnerships.

  • Nations are forming:

    • Mineral security partnerships
    • Strategic trade agreements
    • Technology alliances

  • The United States, EU, Japan, and Australia are promoting “friend-shoring” to reduce dependence on China.

  • Resource diplomacy now shapes defence cooperation, investment flows, and maritime strategies.

India’s Strategic Partnerships

India’s growing clean-energy and manufacturing ambitions have increased its dependence on critical minerals.

Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements

  • India joined the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) led by the USA to strengthen resilient supply chains.

  • India has strengthened cooperation with:

    • Australia for lithium and cobalt
    • Argentina and Chile for lithium reserves
    • Africa for cobalt and other strategic minerals

  • The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) supports collaboration in critical minerals.

Domestic and Strategic Measures

  • India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission to secure mineral availability.

  • The Geological Survey of India recently identified significant lithium reserves in Jammu & Kashmir.

  • India is also promoting:

    • Recycling of critical minerals
    • Overseas asset acquisition through KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd.)
    • Supply-chain resilience initiatives under the Quad

Challenges

  • Heavy import dependence exposes India to geopolitical disruptions.
  • Processing and refining capabilities remain limited.
  • Competition among major powers may create strategic pressures on developing countries.

Conclusion

Thus, resource geography has become a key driver of geopolitical alignments and strategic partnerships in the emerging global order. For India, securing access to critical minerals is not merely an economic necessity but a strategic imperative linked to energy security, technological self-reliance, and geopolitical autonomy.