India plans to establish a strategic reserve of rare earth minerals to enhance its defense manufacturing capabilities and secure supply chains for defense, electric vehicles, and electronics, as announced by Defence Production Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. This initiative, prompted by China’s export restrictions on rare earth elements, aims to mitigate vulnerabilities in critical sectors and support self-reliance efforts. India is exploring domestic production incentives and international partnerships with countries like Australia and Myanmar to reduce its dependence on Chinese supplies. The proposed reserve aligns with the National Critical Mineral Mission and underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its geopolitical stance while enhancing readiness for modern warfare and high-tech applications.