This is a first-of-its-kind initiative for FTAs. The meeting was attended by the Commerce Secretary of India, Sunil Barthwal, and the Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, George Mina.
The summit emphasised the need for a cluster-based approach to promote synergies in mineral extraction, refining, and end-use, especially for low-carbon technologies.
Trilateral dialogue comes as India attempts to position itself as a manufacturing hub of critical technologies such as semiconductors, where South Korea is a global leader.
Blocks up for auction contain critical minerals such as lithium, rare earth elements, and molybdenum, among others. They are located across 7 states and 1 Union territory.
From mobile phones to e-vehicles, all modern tech dependent on critical minerals. Bidding to likely be completed within a month. J&K's 5.9 mn tonne lithium reserve could be on auction list.
The upcoming policy, currently under deliberation, comprises strategic measures to fortify India’s supply chain for critical minerals, vital for technology and industry.
This was the 2nd time this year that the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board blocked a Chinese company from investing in the country's critical minerals sector.
The last time this matter flared up was when Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in a very similar directive in April, called for the relocation of stray dogs in the capital.
Finance ministry says the proposed revamp will focus on structural reforms, rate rationalisation & ease of living, & will be deliberated upon in the coming weeks.
The project is meant to be a ‘protective shield that will keep expanding’, the PM said. It is on the lines of the ‘Golden Dome’ announced by Trump, it is learnt.
Now that both IAF and PAF have made formal claims of having shot down the other’s aircraft in the 87-hour war in May, we can ask a larger question: do such numbers really matter?
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