India Eyes Russian Siberian Deposit to Secure Critical Rare Earth Supplies

India is intensifying its global pursuit to secure critical mineral supply chains, moving closer to a strategic partnership with Russia for rare earth elements. In a significant move to diversify away from China's dominance, state miner IREL is reportedly in discussions with Rosneft to source mineral samples from the massive Tomtor deposit in Siberia.

Strategic Move to Diversify from China

As global tensions rise and supply chain vulnerabilities become apparent, India is aggressively seeking alternatives to Chinese-controlled rare earth markets. The Tomtor deposit in Yakutia is recognized as one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth deposits, making it a high-value target for India’s resource security.

The discussions are currently being facilitated through government channels to ensure strategic alignment. According to reports, the process will involve obtaining mineral samples from the Siberian site, which will undergo initial processing in Russia before being shipped to India for detailed scientific analysis. India intends to conduct a rigorous study of the mineral composition at Tomtor before committing to any long-term commercial or extraction agreements.

Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing Capabilities

This international outreach is a direct response to India's growing domestic demand for high-tech manufacturing. Rare earth elements are indispensable components in the production of electric vehicle (EV) motors, advanced defence systems, and clean energy technologies.

To support this transition, the Indian government has already sanctioned a ₹73 billion ($770.77 million) programme aimed at boosting domestic rare earth magnet production. While India possesses the world’s third-largest rare earth reserves—estimated at approximately 7.23 million metric tons—it currently faces a critical gap in large-scale refining capacity for high-purity separation. The goal is to bridge this gap and achieve large-scale domestic magnet production by the 2029–30 period.

A Multi-Pronged Global Sourcing Strategy

The engagement with Russia is just one facet of India’s broader "mineral diplomacy." IREL, which operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, is spearheading a multi-country approach to secure a steady flow of raw materials.

سائبیریا کی بات چیت سے ہٹ کر، بھارت آسٹریلیا، ارجنٹائن اور ملاوی میں کان کنی کے امکانات کا فعال طور پر جائزہ لے رہا ہے۔ سرکاری کان کنی کرنے والا ادارہ تکنیکی مہارت حاصل کرنے کے لیے جاپان اور جنوبی کوریا کی کمپنیوں کے ساتھ متوازی بات چیت میں بھی مصروف ہے۔ یہ میانمار میں سابقہ تحقیقی کوششوں کے تسلسل میں ہے، جو کہ ایک لچکدار اور کثیر الجہتی سپلائی چین بنانے کے لیے بھارت کے پختہ موقف کو اجاگر کرتا ہے تاکہ جغرافیائی سیاسی خلفشار کے خطرات کو کم کیا جا سکے۔

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