India is accelerating efforts to secure stable supplies of critical minerals from Peru, Chile, and Argentina, aiming to strengthen its renewable energy and green mobility sectors.

This move comes amid supply chain disruptions caused by China’s restrictions on exports of rare earth magnets and tunnel boring machines (TBMs), which have impacted Indian industries. High-level talks with Peru are focusing on lithium, copper, and rare earth imports. Meanwhile, free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Chile are due to begin soon, while Argentina offers opportunities in critical minerals, energy, and agriculture.

China’s export curbs have doubled the number of Indian firms awaiting rare earth licences, affecting automakers such as Ashok Leyland ahead of the festive season. To mitigate the shortage, India is considering a strategic rare earth reserve for defence, alongside bilateral agreements and mining law reforms to support overseas and domestic projects.