US Delists Indian Rare Earth Ltd—Here's How It Will Boost India's Critical Mineral Supply Chain

India’s rare earth procurement and refinement capabilities are set for a strategic boost following the US decision to delist Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL). Announced by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, the delisting aligns with the implementation of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal and will benefit IREL’s role in critical mineral supply chains.

This move complements the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US Department of Commerce and India’s Ministries of Commerce and Industry and Mines. 

The partnership focuses on strengthening supply chains for critical minerals such as graphite, gallium, and germanium, vital for renewable energy technologies and defence applications.

According to a White House factsheet, both nations will undertake joint research on advanced processing technologies for minerals like lithium, titanium, gallium, and vanadium. 

Additionally, the Geological Survey of India and the US Geological Survey will collaborate on exploring and evaluating rare earth and critical mineral deposits, potentially enhancing India's resource base.

The Indo-US collaboration extends beyond rare earths to the space sector. A historic joint mission involving Indian and US astronauts aboard the International Space Station is planned with the launch of Axiom-4 this spring. This initiative reflects growing bilateral engagement in human spaceflight and advanced space exploration.

A new bilateral space accelerator will also be launched to promote commercial ventures in lunar exploration, geospatial data, and co-developed technologies. 

Additionally, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission will map Earth’s surface every 12 days, aiding climate action and disaster management.

As the partnership deepens, the two nations will also exchange expertise on space traffic coordination in 2025, ensuring safe and sustainable space operations.