The first India–France joint working group on critical minerals deliberated strengthening bilateral cooperation in the exploration, processing and recycling of critical minerals and rare earth elements, a French Embassy statement said Tuesday. Discussions were also held between France’s Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM), and the Geological Survey of India (GSI).This group builds on the France–India Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in Critical Minerals, signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in February 2026. This declaration provides a framework for closer cooperation in exploration, mining, research and innovation, diversification of value chains, supply chain resilience and circularity.“France and India can collaborate on critical mineral projects across geographies. The priority is reducing dependence on any one source of supplies,” Benjamin Gallezot, France's Interministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals and Metals Supplies told ET.Gallezot had co-chaired the working group held over Monday and Tuesday. He said the two countries are working towards the objective of building resilient and sustainable supply chains. “The in-depth exchanges allowed the two countries to identify shared interests and develop collaboration projects in France, India and other key countries,” the statement added.According to Gallezot, partnerships between Indian and French companies are being drawn up to strengthen the critical mineral value chains. “Processing facilities are key to securing critical mineral supplies,” he added.