New Delhi: India and the United States on Tuesday signed a bilateral framework agreement aimed at securing the supply chain for critical minerals and rare earths, marking a significant step in strengthening strategic and economic cooperation between the two countries.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formalised the agreement during the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi, which focuses on mining, processing, and supply chain resilience for key minerals essential to emerging technologies and clean energy sectors.
Speaking alongside Jaishankar, Rubio further added, "I have spoken often during my time here over the last few days about the strategic alliance between the United States and India and how important that is for our national interest in the United States. And today is a tangible example of it. We are two countries that have strategic interests in ensuring reliable long-term access to critical minerals and supply chains that are important for our innovation economy."
US Secretary of State announced two major initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, including the launch of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Cooperation Initiative.
"So it's a pleasure to be here today and I'm glad we were able to sign this because in addition to being an important document and important agreement, it brings a tangible example of the strategic partnership between the United States and India," Rubio said.
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EAM also lauded the initiative and added, “This will deepen cooperation across mining, processing, recycling and investment, while strengthening resilient supply chains.”
Speaking on the development, Rubio said the initiative would combine the maritime surveillance capabilities of partner nations to boost information sharing and enhance regional security coordination across the Indo-Pacific region.
"On the issue of maritime security, there are two big announcements. The first is the launch of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Cooperation Initiative, which is going to leverage each of our country's maritime surveillance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to enhance information sharing. Related to that is also the expansion of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative," he added.
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A meeting of the Quad Foreign Ministers—representing India, Australia, Japan, and the United States—is currently underway in Delhi.
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