Why is the Quad’s Critical Minerals Initiative a Game-Changer for India’s Future?

Why This Quad Move Matters
Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths power everything from smartphones to fighter jets and solar panels. But China controls 90% of rare earth processing and 60-70% of lithium/cobalt refining. Over-reliance risks:
☢️ Economic coercion (e.g., China restricting exports during trade disputes)
⚡ Supply chain chaos (delaying India’s EV and renewable energy plans)
💰 Price manipulation (inflating costs for batteries and electronics)
The Quad Critical Minerals Initiative aims to:
🌏 Diversify global sources (investing in mines from Australia to Africa)
🔋 Secure India’s green transition (500 GW renewable energy needs minerals!)
🛡️ Shield against geopolitical bullying


India’s Counterstrategy: National Critical Minerals Mission
In January 2025, India launched its ₹16,300-crore mission to:
Fast-track exploration of 30 critical minerals (like lithium in Jammu & Kashmir).
Build processing tech to cut import dependence.
Join global pacts like the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) – a 14-nation alliance to counter China.
“Without critical minerals, there’s no energy transition. They’re the oil of the 21st century.”
– Committee on Critical Minerals Report


Why This Matters for YOUR Exams
UPSC/Civil Services: Questions on QUAD’s strategic goals, critical minerals, and India’s security policies (e.g., Mains 2023: “Discuss China’s dominance in rare earth minerals and its implications for India”).
SSC/PSC: Current affairs on international groupings and resource diplomacy.
Design Exams (NID/NIFT): Materials science links – e.g., lithium in wearables, cobalt in batteries.
Thematic Links: Climate goals (Net Zero 2070) + Economic security + China’s Belt & Road countermeasures.


Sample Q&A for Exam Prep
Q1: What is the primary goal of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative?
A: To diversify global supply chains for minerals like lithium and cobalt, reducing dependence on China and securing access for clean energy tech.
Q2: Name two minerals classified as “critical” for India’s National Critical Minerals Mission.
A: Lithium (for EV batteries) and Graphite (for electronics and renewables).
Q3: How does China’s dominance in critical minerals threaten India?
A: It risks supply disruptions, price hikes for batteries/solar panels, and vulnerability to political coercion.
Q4: Which group did India join in 2023 to secure mineral resources?
A: The Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), a U.S.-led alliance of 14 nations.
Q5: Why are critical minerals essential for India’s renewable energy targets?
A: Solar panels, wind turbines, and EV batteries require lithium, cobalt, and rare earths – making them non-negotiable for 500 GW clean energy by 2030.