India and the United States have entered into a framework agreement aimed at securing supplies of critical minerals and rare earth elements, a move designed to mitigate reliance on China. The agreement was signed by India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Quad ministerial meeting, which also included Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. This initiative is part of the Quad Critical Minerals Framework, which seeks to enhance cooperation among member countries. Rubio stated that the agreements will facilitate leveraging economic policy tools and coordinating investments to bolster critical mineral supply chains, including mining, processing, and recycling. The strategic partnership reflects a growing recognition of the need for collaboration to secure essential resources, particularly after past challenges posed by China's export controls on rare earths. These elements are vital for various technologies, including consumer electronics and defense systems, underscoring the importance of diversifying supply sources.