Rare Earth Minerals
Rare Earths: Preparations have now been completed to blunt the edge of the ‘supply chain’ which China has been threatening the world with by weaponizing it. America has called a big meeting regarding ‘Critical Minerals’ and ‘Rare Earth’ which are very important for technology. According to a report in Economics Times, veteran minister of Modi government Ashwini Vaishnav can reach this high-profile meeting to be held in Washington on Monday to present India’s side. This meeting is being considered decisive because the big powers of the world are now uniting to end China’s dominance.
India will also become a part of Pax Silica alliance
America has now clearly indicated that it desperately needs India to break China’s monopoly. US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant has confirmed that India, Australia and some other selected countries will also participate in the meeting of G7 countries. Besant had been insisting on discussing this issue separately since last year. The biggest news is that India will now also become a part of the US-led ‘Pax Silica’ alliance. Earlier India was not involved in this but now just before the Artificial Intelligence Summit to be held in New Delhi, India’s entry in this has increased the stir in the diplomatic circles. Countries like Japan, Britain and UAE are already included in this.
America is spreading its foot in Balochistan also
While on one hand America is strengthening strategic partnership with India, on the other hand it is investing heavily in the ‘Reco Dick’ mine project located in Balochistan, Pakistan. America has approved funding of 1.25 billion dollars (about 1.25 billion dollars) for mining there, which has promised thousands of jobs. This ‘mineral friendship’ between America and Pakistan is certainly a bit uncomfortable for India, but giving priority to its energy and security needs, India has adopted a practical approach and has decided to be present at every forum where the direction of the future is being decided.
India tightened its belt even at home
It is not that India is dependent only on America or Western countries for its needs. Exploration of minerals is going on war footing within the country under the ‘National Critical Mineral Mission’ (NCMM) 2025. Geological Survey of India (GSI) has taken up 195 new projects across the country including Rajasthan. The government’s aim is to eliminate dependence on imports for cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements. For this, preparations are being made to auction more than 100 mineral blocks and a budget of Rs 7,280 crore has been kept for creating a domestic manufacturing ecosystem. Apart from this, India is now working on new projects with Russia also.
Why is the world so afraid of China?
These minerals are as essential as ‘breath’ for your smartphones, batteries of electric vehicles, and modern weapons of the army. The problem is that China alone does 47% to 87% of the refining of minerals like lithium, cobalt and graphite. China can stop the pace of the world by stopping supplies whenever it wants. This is the reason why America, Australia and now India together are creating an alternative path where the arbitrariness of the dragon will not prevail.
Also read- China’s downfall is certain in the game of rare earths! America sent a special invitation to India, this is the plan!