India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in January 2025 for a seven-year period from 2024-25 to 2030-31.India has been focusing on securing its critical minerals and rare earth supply chain, especially in times of increased geopolitical uncertainties. During PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia it was announced that India will invest in the manufacturing of steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnets in Indonesia. This is aimed at strengthening the critical mineral supply chain."In today's era, the supply chain resilience of technology holds great significance. An important agreement was reached to further strengthen the supply chain in the sectors of critical minerals and steel," Modi said."A new beginning is being made in partnerships between our companies regarding stainless steel and rare-earth magnets," he said.`As the global shift towards clean energy and advanced technologies gathers pace, critical minerals have emerged as a key strategic asset in global geopolitics. India has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in January 2025 for a seven-year period from 2024-25 to 2030-31.The mission goes far beyond a conventional mining initiative. It lays out a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening India's energy security, accelerating industrial development and enhancing technological self-reliance. Covering minerals ranging from lithium, which powers electric vehicles, to rare earth elements used in defence technologies, the NCMM seeks to secure resources that are increasingly vital to the country's future.In the last two years, India has ‘wired’ 35 countries into a single grid for supply of rare earth, critical minerals and chips. Some of the notable ones are:Canada: Critical Minerals Cooperation PactUnited Kingdom: Critical Minerals Supply ObservatoryGermany: Critical Minerals, Semiconductor CooperationFrance: Joint Declaration On Critical MineralsItaly: Rare Earths From E-Waste RecoveryUnited States: Critical Minerals, Rare Earths FrameworkBrazil: Rare Earths, Critical Minerals PactRussia: Rare-Earth Magnet Technology PactTajikistan: Central Asia Rare-Earth ForumJapan: Mineral Exploration, Semiconductor PactsIsrael: Critical Minerals Technology PartnershipSaudi Arabia: Critical Minerals In Mega-DealsUnited Arab Emirates: Third-Country Mineral Exploration PactMyanmar: Rare Earths On Summit AgendaVietnam: Rare Earths Among Thirteen PactsIndonesia: Nickel, Critical Minerals CooperationCritical minerals are resources that are essential for economic growth as well as national security. They play a crucial role in sectors such as clean energy, advanced electronics, transportation, telecommunications and defence, while also supporting the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Since the supply chains for these minerals are often vulnerable to disruptions, countries are increasingly working to secure reliable access to them.