India Eyes Rare Earth Cooperation with Myanmar to Counter China Dominance
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
India is deepening rare earth cooperation with Myanmar as New Delhi seeks alternative sources of critical minerals dominated by China. Indian Ambassador to Myanmar highlighted growing bilateral cooperation at a mining forum in Mandalay, with collaboration gaining significant momentum over the past two years.
Background
China has long dominated the supply chain for Myanmar's rare earth minerals. Rare earth elements like dysprosium and terbium are crucial for electric vehicles, defence systems, aerospace, and renewable energy technologies.
Key facts
China dominates Myanmar's rare earth supply chain.
India is seeking alternative sources of critical minerals, including dysprosium and terbium.
These minerals are used in EVs, defence systems, aerospace, and clean energy technologies.
Indian teams have visited Myanmar to explore cooperation.
Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur spoke at a mining forum in Mandalay.
Bilateral cooperation in mining has gained significant momentum over the past two years.
Prelims pointers
- Rare earth elements: dysprosium, terbium
- Myanmar: Southeast Asian country, shares border with India
- Mandalay: city in Myanmar
- Indian Ambassador to Myanmar: Abhay Thakur
Mains angles
- GS2: India-Myanmar bilateral relations, strategic cooperation
- GS3: Critical minerals supply chain, energy security, defence indigenization
- GS3: China's dominance in rare earths and India's countermeasures