India actively participated in a high-level ministerial meeting on securing critical mineral supply chains in Washington DC on Monday. The meeting was hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
India's Strong Representation
Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw represented India at this important gathering. He arrived in Washington DC on Sunday specifically for this engagement.
New Delhi clearly expressed its firm commitment to building secure and resilient critical mineral supply chains during the discussions. The Indian Embassy in Washington DC confirmed that Vaishnaw emphasized India's strong dedication to strengthening these supply chains.
Why Critical Minerals Matter for India
Vaishnaw explained that strengthening critical mineral supply chains is absolutely essential for India's manufacturing growth. He specifically mentioned the country's rapidly expanding electronics sector as a key beneficiary.
After the meeting, Vaishnaw posted on X about his participation. He wrote that enhancing these supply chains is vital to improving the resilience of India's manufacturing capabilities. The minister described secure access to critical minerals as crucial for achieving India's long-term development vision of Viksit Bharat.
Global Concerns and Solutions
The meeting focused on practical ways to diversify and safeguard supplies of key minerals. This includes rare earth elements that are essential for modern technologies.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that all participants shared a strong desire to address vulnerabilities in critical mineral supply chains. He observed that these supply chains have become highly concentrated and vulnerable to disruption and manipulation.
Bessent suggested that countries should focus on what he called "prudent de-risking over decoupling." He urged nations to take decisive steps to fix existing gaps in supply chains and work together on lasting solutions.
Broad International Participation
The meeting attracted finance ministers and senior officials from several major economies. Participants included representatives from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Senior representatives from the US Trade Representative's office, the Export-Import Bank of the United States and JPMorgan also made presentations. They discussed key focus areas for securing mineral supply chains.
Additional Engagements During US Visit
During his visit to the United States, Minister Vaishnaw also met with Michael Kratsios. Kratsios serves as Assistant to President Donald Trump and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra joined this discussion. Their conversation focused on preparations for the upcoming India-AI Impact Summit.
India's AI Leadership Role
India will host the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on February 19-20. The summit will focus on the principles of "People, Planet and Progress."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this summit at the France AI Action Summit. It represents a significant milestone as the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South.
India's participation in the critical minerals meeting demonstrates its proactive approach to securing essential resources. The country recognizes that reliable mineral supplies are fundamental to its economic ambitions and technological advancement.
