News: India has extended support to the FORGE Initiative, launched at the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial (Washington DC, February 2026).
About FORGE Initiative
- FORGE (Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement) is a multilateral framework on critical minerals.
- It is the successor to the US-led Mineral Security Partnership (MSP).
- It is launched to address emerging geostrategic and supply chain risks in critical minerals.
- Objective: De-risk global critical mineral supply chains by reducing excessive concentration and overdependence on few suppliers.
- Key Features
- The FORGE Initiative focuses on diversification, transparency and resilience of critical mineral supply chains.
- It promotes cooperation at both policy and project levels among participating countries.
- The initiative emphasises responsible mining and processing practices to ensure sustainability.
- It targets critical minerals essential for clean energy transition and advanced technologies.
- Minerals Covered: Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Rare Earth Element
- Participation: 50+ countries, including:
- India
- United States
- European Union
- Importance for India
- Reduces import vulnerability in strategic minerals.
- Supports EVs, renewable energy and battery storage.
- Aligns with Net Zero by 2070 goal.
- Complements domestic initiatives:
- National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM)
- Rare Earth Corridors (Budget 2026–27)
