India is positioning itself as a credible alternative in the supply of rare earth elements (REEs), the strategic materials powering EVs, wind turbines, smartphones, defence and advanced electronics. While India currently holds about 6 % of global REE reserves, its production covers under 1 % of global output. Initiatives under the National Critical Mineral Mission and reforms in mining regulations are aimed at rapidly expanding exploration, processing and manufacturing capacity.
With REE demand projected to surge by 300 – 700 % by 2040, India’s drive is central to its “Make in India” ambitions, tech self-reliance and clean energy transition. The country’s move can also shift global supply chains currently dominated by one or few nations, impacting geopolitics, trade-policy and technology security.
