India Turns To Myanmar Rebel Group For Rare-Earth Supplies Amid Chinese Control: Report

India is exploring alternative sources of rare-earth minerals in Myanmar with the support of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), a powerful rebel group that controls key mining areas, according to a Reuters report.

The move comes as Beijing tightens its grip on the supply of critical minerals vital for electric vehicles, defence technologies, and advanced electronics.

According to the report, the Ministry of Mines has asked state-run IREL and private firm Midwest Advanced Materials , which last year secured government funding to produce rare-earth magnets to work on securing samples from mines in Kachin state.

The Chipwe-Pangwa belt, under KIA control, holds some of Myanmar’s richest deposits of heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium.

The report also said the KIA has already started collecting samples for India’s evaluation. Delhi intends to test the ore domestically to assess its suitability for large-scale imports.

While India has previously engaged only with governments on strategic resources, this request marks a rare instance of it working with a non-state armed group.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue of rare-earth supplies during a recent meeting in China with Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, but no public agreement followed. The junta, battling the KIA, did not comment.

China continues to dominate rare-earth processing, supplying both India and global markets. Analysts argue that India’s outreach mirrors Beijing’s own ties with the KIA.

While Delhi is keen on a long-term supply route, logistical hurdles remain, particularly the challenge of moving bulk materials through rugged terrain without Chinese cooperation.

Experts note that even if India secures ore, scaling processing capabilities to international standards will take significant time.

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