India is actively pursuing a partnership with Russia to acquire advanced technologies for the exploration and extraction of rare minerals. This collaboration aims to bolster India’s capabilities in mining critical minerals essential for high-tech industries, renewable energy, and defense applications. In return, Russia seeks to attract Indian investments into its resource-rich Far Eastern regions, particularly in Siberia. This mutual interest was highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vladivostok in 2019 for the Eastern Economic Forum, where discussions emphasized strengthening bilateral ties in the energy and mineral sectors.
The initial round of consultations between the Indian Ministry of Coal and Russian counterparts took place earlier this month, focusing on securing Russian expertise in mineral exploration and mining within India. This partnership is part of India’s broader strategy to attract foreign investment in its mining sector and to develop cooperation in mineral exploration.
By inviting Russian specialists, India aims to enhance its domestic mining capabilities, stimulate innovation, and create employment opportunities in the sector. This collaboration is expected to uncover significant mineral deposits within India, thereby reducing the country’s dependence on imports of key minerals.
This initiative aligns with India’s foreign policy objectives to secure new sources of energy and minerals, ensuring a stable supply chain for critical industries. The partnership with Russia not only strengthens bilateral relations but also contributes to India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in the mining sector.
