Exp) Option c is the correct answer.

Statement I is correct: The Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) is a U.S.-led initiative aimed at strengthening and diversifying global critical mineral supply chains. It seeks to promote strategic projects and attract investments across the value chain through collaboration with industry and partner governments. In June 2023, India became the 14th member of the MSP.

Statement II is incorrect: India is not resource-rich in many critical minerals essential for its economic and strategic needs. To address this, the Government released a list of 30 critical minerals in June 2023 and has enhanced exploration efforts through the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and other agencies. In 2025, the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) was launched to build a robust framework for self-reliance in this sector. Under the mission, GSI will undertake 1,200 exploration projects between 2024–25 and 2030–31.

Statement III is correct:  In 2023, the Indian Parliament amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to give the Central Government exclusive powers to auction mining leases and composite licenses for for 24 critical minerals listed in the new Part-D of the First Schedule to the said Act which includes the Lithium bearing minerals, Niobium bearing minerals and minerals of the “rare earths” group not containing Uranium and Thorium.

Source: https://www.state.gov/minerals-security-partnership#:~:text=Current%20MSP%20partners%20include%20Australia,represented%20by%20the%20European%20Commission).

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1946416

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1942027

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2120525

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2003457