Overview

• Defence Production Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh publicly outlined the plan on Sept. 20, calling the reserve a way to “tide over immediate requirement” in emergencies.
• The government has classified rare-earth mines as strategic projects to streamline procedures and speed environmental clearances for mining and processing.
• The cabinet has approved an incentive program to boost recycling of critical minerals from batteries and e-waste, adding a domestic supply source.
• Rare-earth flows from China were disrupted after export controls earlier this year; restrictions have eased recently, but heavy reliance on Chinese processing still poses risks.
• India is expanding supply options through overseas outreach, with talks reported in Latin America and reported links to Myanmar, alongside domestic initiatives for magnets and processing under broader critical-mineral programs.