India, France Hold First Joint Working Group Meeting On Critical Minerals

India and France have taken a significant step towards strengthening cooperation in the critical minerals sector, holding the inaugural meeting of the India-France Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals in New Delhi as both countries seek to build resilient supply chains for resources essential to clean energy, advanced manufacturing and strategic industries.

The meeting, held on July 6, was co-chaired by France’s Interministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals and Metals Supplies, Benjamin Gallezot, and Kadam Sandeep Vasant, Joint Secretary in charge of the National Critical Mineral Mission at India’s Ministry of Mines.

According to a statement issued by the French Embassy, the discussions centred on expanding bilateral collaboration in the exploration, processing and recycling of critical minerals and rare earth elements, with the aim of creating sustainable and diversified supply chains amid rising global demand and increasing geopolitical competition over strategic resources.

Officials from both sides identified areas of common interest and explored potential collaborative projects not only in India and France but also in third countries with significant mineral reserves.(UPDATED ON 7TH JULY 2026)