**India’s Rare Earths Quest Takes It to Uzbekistan**
India is actively seeking to enhance its cooperation in mining and critical minerals with Uzbekistan, as both nations aim to deepen their strategic partnership rooted in historical ties that date back to the ancient Silk Road trade routes. This initiative comes at a time when India is looking to secure its supply of essential minerals amid global trade tensions that have disrupted supply chains.
Rare earth elements and rare-earth magnets are crucial components in the transition to green energy, finding applications in technologies such as wind turbines and electric vehicles. Currently, China dominates the global market for these materials, which has prompted India to diversify its sources and ensure a stable supply.
In its quest for reliable rare-earth supplies, India has expanded its search beyond Uzbekistan. The state-owned miner, Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), is exploring potential samples from Myanmar, which is known to produce approximately half of the world’s rare earths, as well as a deposit owned by Russia’s Rosneft in Siberia.
During a recent four-day visit to New Delhi, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties. He stated that his delegation was tasked with preparing for an upcoming visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Uzbekistan, highlighting the growing momentum in their diplomatic relations.
Saidov described India as Uzbekistan's most significant strategic and trade partner in South Asia. The two countries share strategic partnerships with other Central Asian nations, all of which face common challenges such as terrorism and drug trafficking.
India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal has encouraged businesses from both nations to explore opportunities for cooperation through co-investment, co-manufacturing, and innovation. Currently, bilateral trade between India and Uzbekistan stands at around $1.5 billion, but both countries have set a goal to double this figure within three years.
Goyal pointed out that Uzbekistan offers significant opportunities for Indian investment in the mining sector. He also noted that collaboration in textiles could be mutually beneficial, leveraging Uzbekistan's strengths in cotton production alongside India's expertise in manufacturing and design.
In a meeting with Saidov, Indian President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the shared cultural heritage between the two countries, which encompasses architecture, language, cuisine, music, and religious traditions. This cultural connection is further strengthened by robust educational exchanges; over 16,000 Indian students are currently studying in Uzbekistan, acting as a bridge between the two nations and fostering mutual understanding.
As India continues to seek out partnerships in critical minerals, its engagement with Uzbekistan represents a strategic move to secure its resource needs while simultaneously enhancing bilateral ties that have historical significance. The collaboration is expected to not only benefit both economies but also contribute to regional stability and development.