Key facts
- India and the US launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework on May 26.
- The pact aims to reduce global reliance on China for rare earth elements.
- The initiative involves pooling up to $20 billion from member states.
- A separate Quad proposal for a port in Fiji faces doubts about commitment.
- The Fiji port project is seen as a move to counter China's influence in the Pacific.
India and the United States, alongside Japan and Australia, launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework on May 26. This strategic push aims to reduce global reliance on China for rare earth elements and critical minerals. The agreement, signed during a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, involves member states pooling up to $20 billion for the initiative. Analysts express skepticism about India's ability to quickly challenge China's entrenched dominance in the mining and processing of these vital materials. Separately, a Quad proposal to build a port in Fiji, viewed as a move to counter China's influence in the Pacific, has raised doubts about the bloc's commitment due to differing policy priorities among member states. Foreign ministers from Australia (Penny Wong), India (S. Jaishankar), Japan (Toshimitsu Motegi), and the United States (US Secretary of State) met recently in New Delhi.