TRUST Initiative

News: The India-US TRUST Initiative is a recent agreement between India and the United States to work together to secure the supply of critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements (REEs), essential for advanced technologies, energy, and pharmaceutical production.

About TRUST Initiative

• TRUST stands for: Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology.
• It is a partnership between India and the US to:
  • Improve the supply of critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements (REEs).
  • Strengthen supply chains for pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, and high-tech products.
  • Reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates the global supply of critical minerals.

Key Objectives of TRUST

• Strengthen supply chains for: Critical minerals (lithium, rare earth, cobalt, etc.), Pharmaceuticals (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients – APIs) and advanced materials used in technology and defence.
• Encourage technology sharing: It reduce export controls between India and the U.S.A and speed up the transfer of advanced technology between the two countries.
• Boost manufacturing and innovation in Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum computing, Defence technology, Space exploration and clean energy solutions.

Benefits for India and U.S.A 

(i) Stronger Pharma Supply Chain:

• TRUST will help India secure the minerals needed for drug production and reduce dependence on China.
• Helps India maintain its position as a major exporter of medicines to the US.

(ii) Securing Critical Minerals:

• Lithium and rare earth minerals are needed for electric vehicles, batteries, and defence equipment.
• India and the US will work on exploring and processing these minerals together.
• Less reliance on China, making supply chains safer.

(iii) Encouraging Innovation:

• TRUST will bring together experts from universities, companies, and governments.
• Focus on new technologies in defence, space, AI, and renewable energy.
• Semiconductors and batteries are key areas for cooperation.