India is to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel and Saudi Arabia to enhance its supply of vital minerals. Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy announced the decision on Thursday, saying it intends to minimize reliance on imports while increasing domestic processing capabilities.
The arrangement with Israel will include a technology transfer for potassium extraction from saltwater. It will also use artificial intelligence in mining operations to increase efficiency. The union government has already accepted the agreement. A policy framework is being developed and is expected to be completed in the next months.
Collaboration with Saudi Arabia stems from a recent high-level meeting between Reddy and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. This collaboration will strengthen cooperation in the critical minerals sector and provide new investment opportunities. Similar accords are proposed for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.
India is also deploying 20 nodal officials in major global areas to identify essential minerals and monitor mining activities. Fourteen states have joined the minerals action plan, with more anticipated to follow shortly.
