India is contemplating the establishment of a strategic reserve for critical minerals essential for defense manufacturing, as revealed by Rajesh Kumar Singh, a senior Ministry of Defence official. This initiative aims to mitigate immediate supply shortages, particularly in light of recent disruptions caused by China’s export controls on rare earth elements, which are vital for advanced military hardware. The Indian government has also launched a ₹1,500 crore incentive program to promote the recycling of critical minerals and classified rare earth mining as a “strategic project” to streamline approval processes. This move highlights India’s commitment to enhancing its domestic supply chain for critical minerals, thereby bolstering national security and reducing dependence on foreign sources amid growing geopolitical tensions.