Brazil and India sign landmark critical minerals and rare earths agreement

Brazil and India have signed a pioneering agreement on critical minerals and rare earths, marking what Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as “a major step” towards building resilient global supply chains.

According to Toda Palavra, a partner of TV BRICS, the deal was concluded during high-level talks in New Delhi, where Modi stressed that cooperation in critical minerals would strengthen economic security and reduce vulnerabilities in strategic sectors.

Standing alongside the Indian leader, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the agreement places technology “at the service of inclusive development” and reflects a shared commitment to sustainable growth.

Lula highlighted India’s rapid progress in advanced sectors, including information technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology and space exploration, noting that these achievements open new avenues for bilateral cooperation. He added that expanding investment and collaboration in renewable energy and critical minerals lies at the heart of the newly signed accord.

According to the source, Brazil holds the world’s second-largest reserves of rare earth elements and other strategic minerals, behind China, positioning the country as a key global supplier amid rising demand linked to the energy transition and high-tech manufacturing.

In addition to the minerals agreement, the two leaders signed memoranda of understanding covering trade, entrepreneurship, defence and healthcare.

Modi emphasised that there are “unlimited possibilities” for collaboration in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, stating that both countries would work to improve access to affordable, high-quality medicines in Brazil.