New Delhi, April 25, 2025 – In a monumental stride towards securing India’s future as a global industrial powerhouse, our nation has forged a historic partnership with Russia, signing two Joint Declarations of Intent (JDI) to collaborate on critical minerals technologies. This landmark agreement, announced today, underscores India’s unwavering commitment to achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) while cementing its position as a leader in the global race for resources vital to green technologies and advanced manufacturing.
The agreement, signed amidst a backdrop of global supply chain uncertainties, focuses on critical minerals such as copper and titanium—resources that are the lifeblood of renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and cutting-edge technologies. An accompanying image shared by News IADN on X showcased heaps of raw mineral ores, likely copper (with its characteristic reddish-brown hue) and titanium slag (dark, metallic chunks), symbolizing the tangible foundation of this partnership. These minerals are not just raw materials; they represent India’s resolve to secure its technological sovereignty and reduce dependency on foreign supply chains that have long dictated global markets.
India’s pursuit of critical minerals is a matter of national pride and strategic necessity. In July 2023, the Ministry of Mines identified 30 minerals as critical to the nation’s economic and security interests, including copper, lithium, and titanium. The National Critical Minerals Mission, launched in 2024 with an outlay of ₹34,300 crore over seven years, has already set the stage for this collaboration. The Mission aims to build a resilient value chain by expanding domestic exploration, acquiring overseas assets, and fostering international partnerships. The establishment of Khanij Bidesh India Ltd., a joint venture dedicated to securing mineral assets abroad, exemplifies India’s proactive approach—an approach that today’s agreement with Russia amplifies.
This partnership with Russia is a testament to the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, a relationship that has flourished through decades of mutual trust and cooperation. Bilateral trade between India and Russia soared to an impressive $65.7 billion in FY 2023-24, with Russia emerging as a key supplier of crude oil, minerals, and defense equipment, while India reciprocates with exports of pharmaceuticals, machinery, and agricultural goods, according to data from the Indian Embassy in Moscow. In 2023 alone, India imported $48.64 billion worth of crude oil from Russia, as per the United Nations COMTRADE database, highlighting the economic synergy that underpins this latest agreement.
The collaboration on critical minerals technologies is particularly timely. As the world grapples with supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, India’s strategic foresight in securing access to copper and titanium—essential for everything from solar panels to aerospace components—positions it as a formidable player in the global arena. The agreement also aligns with India’s broader international engagements, such as its participation in the U.S.-led Mineral Security Partnership and the bilateral cooperation framework with the U.S. under the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), which was advanced in 2024 to foster innovation in advanced materials and mineral processing.
For India, this partnership is more than a trade agreement; it is a clarion call to the world that Bharat is ready to lead. By harnessing Russia’s expertise in mineral extraction and processing, India aims to develop cutting-edge technologies that will meet domestic demand and position the nation as a global hub for critical minerals innovation. The collaboration is expected to include joint research in mineral beneficiation, sustainable mining practices, and the development of advanced alloys, such as neodymium-iron-boron magnets, which are crucial for renewable energy applications.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India takes shape, this agreement marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey. The National Critical Minerals Mission, coupled with international partnerships like the one with Russia, ensures that India will not be a bystander in the global race for resources but a trailblazer, securing its future while contributing to the world’s sustainable development goals. The heaps of copper ore and titanium slag in the image shared on X are not just minerals—they are the building blocks of a new India, one that is strong, independent, and ready to shape the future on its terms.
Jai Hind!
