In January, the Indian government published a new critical minerals strategy that details how the country aims to bolster supply chains necessary for its green energy transition. While the report underscores the importance of developing domestic supplies of lithium and other transition resources, it also calls for closer international partnerships, particularly with mineral-rich African nations.

India has deep ties in Africa, particularly in eastern and southern countries, but it is a newcomer to the critical resources sector, which is largely dominated by Chinese and European companies.