As nations worldwide accelerate their transition towards clean energy and advanced technologies, they scramble to secure critical minerals. These include lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements and graphite. They are the backbone of future technology, from Electric vehicles to semiconductors. Today, international partnerships and trade relations are being reshaped around the critical mineral sector.
India has important stakes in the African continent. It hopes to deepen ties of trade, development, security, and energy cooperation. By focusing on capacity-building, local ownership, and partnership, it aims to create a sustainable model. It also seeks to increase goodwill via moral diplomacy for cooperation.
Also read: India Challenges China’s Dominance in Rare Earth Elements, Moves Towards True Self-Reliance
Why Minerals Matter
India needs lithium for EV batteries, cobalt for turbines, uranium for nuclear power, rare earths for semiconductors, defence technology. PM Modi’s visit to Namibia on July 9 signifies India’s push to secure these minerals.
PM Modi in Namibia
PM Modi arrived in Namibia on July 9. This marked the final leg of his five-country outreach trip to the Global South. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the resource-rich southern African nation in almost three decades.
Namibia has the world’s third largest uranium reserves. It is a treasure trove of diamonds, cobalt, lithium, zinc and rare earth metals. The nation is a growing hub for green hydrogen too.
Securing Cobalt from Zambia
In July 2025, India sent geologists to explore 9,000 sq km of Zambia’s cobalt and copper reserves. These resources are vital for EVs and clean tech. “We will take two to three years to complete this exploration. We hope that after the exploration, we will also be able to get the mining rights,” said Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao in a statement. While investment details remain confidential, this mission’s success could lead to mining projects conducted by Indian public or private entities.
Argentina’s Abundant Lithium
Argentina is a part of the famed Lithium Triangle, along with Chile and Bolivia. In 2024, India has secured key lithium deals in Argentina — home to the world’s 2nd-largest reserves. “Argentina is a key economic partner in Latin America. It is also a close collaborator in the G20,” Prime Minister Modi said during his visit to Buenos Aires. “We see enormous potential in expanding our cooperation in the field of critical minerals and clean energy,” he added.
India signed a $24 million lithium exploration pact with a state-owned enterprise in Argentina for five lithium brine blocks. This is a strategic move to fuel EVs, batteries, & future tech.
Mineral Alliance with Ghana
During PM Modi’s recent visit to Ghana, India and Ghana announced a partnership on critical mineral exploration. This move further strengthens India’s resource diplomacy. It also deepens its presence in Africa’s rich geological landscape.
President John Dramani Mahama hosted Modi. He invoked their “shared struggles for independence” and “democratic values.” This sentiment is bolstered by India’s $280 million in concessional financing. The financing supports projects like rural electrification and fish-processing plants.
DRC’s Cobalt Vault
In March 2025, India renewed its mineral pact with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The nation is home to 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves. With rising EV demand, Delhi is securing long-term access to cobalt and copper to power its green tech revolution.
Trinidad: From Hydrocarbons to Minerals
In July 2025, India renewed its MoU with Trinidad & Tobago. The agreement expands beyond hydrocarbons. It includes exploring rare earths and energy resource mapping. Further, there was a major MoU on “Indian pharmacopeia”, to improve access to quality and affordable generic medicines from India.
The Global Race: India vs China in Africa
The globe is racing to secure rare earth minerals and resource rich countries as trade partners, especially in Africa. Over the last 20 years, China has become the largest bilateral trading partner of Africa. The trade volume has surpassed $200 billion. India is the fourth largest trading partner of Africa, with trade volumes around $100 billion in 2023.
But unlike China entrapping countries with its debt policy, India has taken an expansive and humanitarian view. As early as 2018, Prime Minister Modi articulated how India views this relationship. “India’s priority is not just Africa. India’s priority is Africans – every man, woman and child in Africa.” Our partnership with Africa is beyond strategic concerns and economic benefits. It is based on the emotional bonds we share and the solidarity we feel.”
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