India Engages Myanmar's Kachin Independence Army For Rare Earth Samples Amid China's Supply Curbs: Report

India is exploring avenues to secure rare earth minerals from Myanmar by collaborating with the rebel group Kachin Independence Army (KIA), news agency Reuters has reported.

This move comes amid China's tightening control over the global supply of these critical resources, which are essential for electric vehicles, electronics, and defence equipment.

The Ministry of Mines has reportedly directed state-owned and private firms to collect and transport rare earth samples from KIA-controlled mines in northeastern Myanmar.

According to the report, New Delhi aims to test these samples in domestic labs to verify sufficient levels of heavy rare earths, which can be processed into magnets for advanced technologies.

This initiative follows China's recent export restrictions on rare earth magnets, over which it holds a near-monopoly, disrupting supply chains worldwide.

India is seeking to diversify its supply away from China, which dominates about 80 per cent of the global rare earth market.

The collaboration with KIA rebels is seen as a strategic step to ensure self-reliance in critical minerals, especially after Beijing's curbs intensified in July 2025.

The KIA, a powerful ethnic armed group in Myanmar's conflict-ridden north, controls key mining areas rich in heavy rare earths.

Reuters cited sources to say that India is working to obtain samples with the rebels' assistance.

This also comes against the backdrop of Myanmar's ongoing civil war, where China has historically backed the military junta but faces challenges from rebel advances.

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