Recent smuggling convictions underscore China’s leverage over a mineral vital for defence and industry, prompting the US, EU and allies to seek independent supply chains.
The development underscores concern about supply chains for cobalt, nickel, lithium, and other minerals that are essential for solar panels, batteries and other clean technology.
The minerals that Pakistan purports to offer to the US are either in quantities too small to matter, of a type that the US does not need, or would be much more easily sourced from other partners.
In a discussion organised by the Observer Research Foundation, Chilean and Argentinian ambassadors highlight areas of interest to deepen ties amidst geoeconomic headwinds.
Islamabad’s latest attempts to woo Trump are through the offer of critical minerals and now a $1.2 billion port project roughly 100 km from the Chinese-built port of Gwadar.
Mineral security is no longer just an economic concern but a national security imperative, underpinning the country’s ambitions in clean energy, defence self-reliance, and advanced manufacturing.
Alongside the new agenda, announced in a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Australia, Japan, India, and US, several new initiatives were also launched.
In 2022, athletes claimed they were asked to wind up training early at Thyagraj Stadium so that the IAS couple could walk their dog. Then came the memes and public outrage.
Instead of buying more Mirages outright in early 2000s, the requirement was tweaked in favour of a medium-weight, multi-role fighter with Mirage-like performance.
Pakistan not only has zero chance of catching up with India in most areas, but will inevitably see the gap rising. Its leaders will offer its people the same snake oil in different bottles.
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