**India and Myanmar to Deepen Rare-Earths Cooperation**
India and Myanmar are advancing their collaboration in the rare-earth minerals sector as New Delhi intensifies its efforts to diversify its supply sources and reduce reliance on China, which currently dominates the global market for these strategic materials. This initiative was highlighted during the recent opening session of the India-Myanmar Forum on Mining and Minerals Cooperation.
Abhay Thakur, India’s ambassador to Myanmar, emphasized that cooperation in the mining sector has gained notable momentum over the past two years. He noted that both nations are strategically positioned to collaborate in this emerging field, particularly as the demand for rare earths continues to rise globally.
Rare earths are essential for various high-tech applications, including renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, energy storage systems, advanced electronics, and telecommunications. Approximately half of the world's supply of heavy rare earths is sourced from Myanmar's Kachin state, where these minerals are extracted and subsequently shipped to China for processing into critical components such as magnets.
In line with its strategy to secure alternative sources of rare earths, India has initiated several mining sector delegations focused on these minerals. Notably, two delegations visited Myanmar in December 2024 and February 2025, indicating a sustained interest in exploring potential partnerships.
Among the Indian entities involved in discussions regarding rare earths are the state-backed Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) and the private firm Midwest Advanced Materials. These companies are reportedly exploring the logistics of collecting and transporting mineral samples from Myanmar's mines.
In addition to its engagement with Myanmar, India is also looking beyond its borders to diversify its rare-earth supply chain. Recently, New Delhi sought rare-earth samples from a Siberian deposit owned by the Russian company Rosneft, further underscoring its commitment to reducing dependence on Chinese sources.
India possesses the world's third-largest reserves of rare earths, estimated at around 7.23 million metric tons. However, despite these substantial reserves, the country does not currently produce rare-earth magnets domestically. With consumption projected to double by 2030, India is taking proactive measures to enhance its production capabilities.
In November 2025, the Indian government allocated $802 million for a program aimed at manufacturing rare-earth permanent magnets. This investment is part of a broader strategy to build a robust domestic supply chain for critical minerals. India has also joined the US-led Pax Silica alliance, which focuses on securing supply chains for artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and other essential materials.
To further bolster its rare-earth production and processing capabilities, India has announced the establishment of specialized industrial zones known as rare-earth corridors. These corridors will be developed in several states, including Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, and will focus on mining, processing, research, and manufacturing of rare-earth permanent magnets.
The deepening cooperation between India and Myanmar in the rare-earths sector reflects a strategic move by both nations to enhance their positions in the global supply chain for these critical minerals. As the demand for rare earths continues to grow, this partnership may play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of the industry.