China’s Rare Earth Export Curbs Threaten India’s EV Ambitions

India’s push for electric vehicle (EV) self-reliance has hit a major hurdle as China tightens export controls on critical rare earth elements (REEs), essential for EV motors and components. Despite ambitious domestic plans, India remains dependent on Chinese imports for high-tech inputs, exposing a serious supply chain vulnerability.

Why in News?

In early 2025, China imposed fresh export curbs on rare earth elements, including key metals used in EV manufacturing. This move has alarmed the Indian auto industry, which imports a major portion of rare earths and EV batteries from China. The restriction intensifies pressure on India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and highlights the urgent need to diversify rare earth sourcing.

Background

• Rare Earth Elements (REEs) include 17 metals like neodymium, dysprosium, samarium, and gadolinium.
• Used in EV motors, wind turbines, smartphones, defence, and more.
• Despite not being scarce, economically viable processing is limited—China processes ~85-95% of global supply.

China’s Rare Earth Monopoly

• Since the 1990s, China has classified REEs as strategic minerals.
• Controls mining, refining, and global pricing.
• 2025 curbs affect seven critical metals, including terbium, lutetium, and scandium.

India’s SituationX

• India holds 6.9 million tonnes of REE reserves but lacks large-scale refining infrastructure.
• In 2024, India imported over $7 billion worth of rare earths and EV batteries from China.
• Production delays, rising costs, and halted R&D in India’s EV industry are expected.

Industry Reactions

• Industry bodies have approached the Ministry of Heavy Industries and MEA.
• Suggested solution: six-month blanket approval per exporter-importer pair to avoid shipment delays.

Global Context

• US, EU, and Japan have also faced similar dependence.
• Japan’s post-2010 strategy (after China halted exports): diversify, recycle, and stockpile.
• Japan reduced China dependence from 90% (2010) to 60% (2023).

India’s Policy Moves

• The Economic Survey 2024–25 flagged REEs as a critical vulnerability.
• Government released a “Critical Minerals List” prioritising lithium and rare earths.
• KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) formed to secure global mineral assets.

Domestic Capacity & Recycling

• India’s IREL processed only 10,000 tonnes in 2023; China: 200,000+ tonnes.
• India urged to explore urban mining and e-waste recycling.
• Formalising the e-waste sector could aid REE extraction and reduce imports.

Way Forward

• Accelerate investment in mining, refining, and recycling infrastructure.
• Promote PPP models, tech partnerships with Japan and Australia.
• Develop a strategic stockpile and build resilient supply chains.