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India, Russia Near Critical Minerals Deal to Diversify from China

5/12/2026

30 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

India and Russia are in advanced talks to sign a preliminary critical minerals agreement within two months.
India says the draft agreement would cover exploration, processing and technological collaboration and would diversify its supply chain away from China.
India has signed similar pacts with Argentina, Australia and Japan, is negotiating deals with Peru and Chile, and may revisit Rosatom’s lithium project in Mali if security improves.

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Story summary

India and Russia are in advanced talks to sign a preliminary critical minerals agreement within two months.
India says the draft agreement would cover exploration, processing and technological collaboration and would diversify its supply chain away from China.
India has signed similar pacts with Argentina, Australia and Japan, is negotiating deals with Peru and Chile, and may revisit Rosatom’s lithium project in Mali if security improves.