India’s External Affairs Minister May Travel to Washington for Strategic Minerals Talks

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has received an invitation to attend a high-level Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting in Washington, D.C., scheduled for February 4–5, 2026. The two-day summit, hosted by the U.S. State Department, will bring together global partners to discuss supply chain security for minerals that are essential to modern technologies, defence systems, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. While a formal decision on Jaishankar’s participation is still pending, officials indicate that the event could also include opportunities for high-level meetings with U.S. counterparts, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar during an event (PTI/File) | Hindustan Times

The Global Importance of Critical Minerals

Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and silicon have rapidly become strategic assets in the global economy. These resources are integral to manufacturing everything from electric vehicle batteries and solar panels to advanced semiconductors and defence electronics. Nations worldwide are increasingly focused on securing diversified and resilient supply chains amid growing competition, particularly with China’s dominance in mineral extraction and processing. Analysts have highlighted that supply-chain stability for these minerals underpins not just economic growth but national security and technological leadership.

The summit in Washington will emphasise cooperation to reduce dependencies on concentrated supply sources, strengthen mining and processing collaboration, and identify joint investment opportunities. Recent tensions triggered by China’s export controls on rare earth magnets have only heightened the urgency of building alternative supply networks.

India–U.S. Engagement Beyond the Summit Invitation

India’s relationship with the United States has experienced both friction and cooperation in recent years. In January 2026, Jaishankar spoke with Secretary Rubio on critical minerals, trade negotiations, civil nuclear cooperation, and defence ties, signaling sustained dialogue despite unresolved bilateral issues such as tariff disputes. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement across these strategic domains.

Beyond these high-level talks, India and the U.S. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand collaboration on critical minerals, aiming to diversify supply chains and lessen dependence on China. This cooperation includes efforts to improve exploration, processing, refining, recycling, and recovery of key materials while leveraging each country’s strengths. Although this MoU pre-dates the ministerial invitation, it underscores the deepening economic and strategic ties between the two democracies.

Multilateral Initiatives and India’s Role

India’s participation in global coalitions focused on critical minerals reflects its growing geopolitical significance. One important example is the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), a U.S.–led initiative that convenes multiple nations to promote resilient supply networks for critical resources. India is a member of the MSP, highlighting its commitment to international co-operation on supply-chain issues and responsible mineral development.

However, not all strategic initiatives have included India from the outset. The Pax Silica alliance, launched by the U.S. as a coalition to secure a secure, innovation-driven silicon and technology supply chain, initially brought together countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia. India was not part of the initial grouping, prompting discussions on global supply-chain architecture and capability gaps.

Recent developments suggest New Delhi has been invited to join Pax Silica, marking a possible expansion of its strategic partnerships in critical supply chains, particularly in semiconductor-related minerals and tech infrastructure – an acknowledgment of India’s importance as a trusted partner in global technology ecosystems. Government officials have noted this inclusion as recognition of India’s potential contribution to building resilient supply chains.

Regional Cooperation and Broader Strategic Ties

India’s role in critical minerals diplomacy extends beyond Washington. At a recent strategic dialogue with Japan, Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart agreed to launch a Joint Working Group on critical minerals alongside cooperation on artificial intelligence and economic security. The new working group aims to deepen bilateral collaboration on rare earths and other strategic materials, reflecting shared priorities in regional and technological security.

This bilateral cooperation aligns with broader geopolitical trends wherein democratic nations seek to manage supply-chain vulnerabilities and reduce dependence on single dominant suppliers. Initiatives such as these contribute to an evolving architecture of international cooperation on economic security, technology, and resource access.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s possible participation in the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington reflects the growing strategic convergence between New Delhi and Washington on supply-chain security and economic resilience. As critical minerals underpin technologies ranging from clean energy and semiconductors to defence manufacturing, India’s engagement signals its intent to position itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in shaping diversified, non-concentrated global supply networks. The discussions come at a time when disruptions caused by export controls and geopolitical competition have underscored the risks of overdependence on single suppliers, making cooperation among trusted democracies increasingly vital.

Beyond the immediate summit, India’s expanding role across multilateral and bilateral platforms highlights a broader shift in global economic diplomacy. From collaboration under the Minerals Security Partnership to deeper engagement with the U.S. and Japan, and a possible entry into initiatives like Pax Silica, India is steadily integrating itself into the architecture governing future technologies and resources. This trajectory points to India not merely as a participant, but as a stakeholder shaping norms, partnerships, and long-term strategies for resilient supply chains in an era defined by technological competition and strategic resource management.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Firstpost, NDTV)