India and France Strengthen Strategic Cooperation with Inaugural Joint Working Group Meeting on Critical Minerals

India and France have marked a significant milestone in their bilateral relations by holding the first meeting of the Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals in New Delhi on July 6. This engagement underscores the growing emphasis both nations place on securing resilient supply chains for resources vital to clean energy, advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, and long-term economic security.

Officials from both sides identified areas of common interest. | NDTV 

Background and Strategic Importance

The meeting builds upon the Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in Critical Minerals signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in February 2026. During that visit, the two countries elevated their partnership to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, reflecting the depth and breadth of ties across multiple domains. Critical minerals have emerged as a key area of collaboration, given their indispensable role in batteries, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, semiconductors, and defence equipment.

By working together, India and France aim to create diversified, sustainable, and responsible supply chains amid rising global demand and geopolitical complexities surrounding these strategic resources.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

The inaugural Joint Working Group meeting was co-chaired by Benjamin Gallezot, France’s Interministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals and Metals Supplies, and Kadam Sandeep Vasant, Joint Secretary responsible for the National Critical Mineral Mission at India’s Ministry of Mines. Officials identified several areas of mutual interest and discussed potential collaborative projects, including initiatives in third countries with substantial mineral reserves.

Experts from France’s Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM) and India’s Geological Survey of India (GSI) participated in detailed discussions. They agreed to deepen scientific cooperation across the entire critical minerals value chain — from resource mapping and exploration to extraction, processing, and recycling. This partnership leverages the longstanding expertise of both institutions to advance shared objectives.

During his visit, Gallezot also held strategic discussions with Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor and interacted with Indian industry representatives at a session organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), exploring commercial and technological collaboration opportunities between businesses of the two countries.

India’s National Efforts in Critical Minerals

India has intensified its focus on critical minerals through the National Critical Mineral Mission, which seeks to enhance domestic exploration, secure overseas assets, promote recycling, and develop processing capabilities. These efforts are designed to reduce import dependence and support the country’s clean energy transition and manufacturing ambitions. The mission aligns with broader goals of building a self-reliant and resilient mineral ecosystem.

France’s Approach to Strategic Autonomy

On its part, France has established dedicated institutional mechanisms, including the Interministerial Delegation for the Supply of Strategic Minerals and Metals, to coordinate policies aimed at ensuring reliable access to essential resources. This framework supports France’s energy transition, industrial competitiveness, and strategic independence while fostering international partnerships.

Broader Economic and Multilateral Dimensions

The Joint Working Group meeting follows the recent India-France Economic and Financial Dialogue, where both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening cooperation in critical minerals alongside investments, financial connectivity, and other priority sectors. Such engagements contribute to closer alignment in multilateral forums and help address shared challenges related to economic security and supply chain resilience.

The MGMM Outlook 

India's growing partnership with France on critical minerals reflects a strategic shift toward securing the resources that will drive the industries of the future. As global competition for lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and other critical minerals intensifies, this collaboration strengthens India's efforts to build resilient supply chains while reducing dependence on imports. Joint initiatives in exploration, processing, recycling, and technological cooperation complement the National Critical Mineral Mission and support the country's ambitions in clean energy, electric mobility, semiconductor manufacturing, and defence production.

The inaugural Joint Working Group also highlights the broader evolution of India-France relations beyond traditional defence cooperation into areas of long-term economic and technological significance. By combining scientific expertise, encouraging industry partnerships, and exploring opportunities in mineral-rich third countries, both nations are laying the foundation for a more secure and sustainable critical minerals ecosystem. This cooperation has the potential to enhance India's strategic autonomy, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and reinforce its position as a key player in the global clean energy and advanced manufacturing landscape.

(Sources: NDTV, Economic Times)