'Exploring resources': After oil, India-Russia to tie-up on rare earth? How New Delhi aims to steer away from China’s monopoly

Indian companies are exploring potential partnerships with Russian firms to secure better supplies of rare earth magnets and critical minerals, as China continues to tighten its grip on global rare earth exports. Beijing’s increased rare earth export restrictions have continued to hit industries worldwide and in India, as it controls nearly 90% of rare earth processing. China recently strengthened its export restrictions, which were initially introduced in April amid trade tensions with the US. The curbs have disrupted production in sectors such as automobiles, energy, and consumer electronics. India turns to Russia Russia has developed rare earth processing technologies that are currently being trialled in pilot projects. Moscow has expressed interest in expanding these