India Plans Alternative Rare Earth Supply Chains Amid China Export Curbs

India is actively responding to China's recent rare earth export restrictions, which have disrupted global supply chains, particularly impacting the automotive and electronics industries. Indian officials, including Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, have described China's export curbs as a global wake-up call, emphasizing the urgent need for supply chain diversification and positioning India as a reliable alternative source. India is engaged in diplomatic talks with China to bring predictability to trade and is simultaneously developing domestic production capabilities through support for Indian Rare Earths Limited and technological innovation. The Indian government views the current disruption as an opportunity to strengthen its manufacturing sector and reduce global dependence on China, which controls over 90% of rare earth magnet production. Despite short-term challenges, officials express confidence that ongoing collaboration among government, industry, and innovators will transform these difficulties into long-term gains. Negotiations are ongoing to allow Indian entrepreneurs potential direct procurement from China, reflecting India's broader strategy of diversifying economic partnerships and ensuring supply chain resilience.