India and France signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on critical minerals cooperation during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India on February 18, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron agreed to deepen cooperation in exploration, extraction, processing and recycling of critical minerals and rare earths. The move aims to strengthen resilient supply chains for the green and digital economy. The announcement was made after high-level bilateral talks in Mumbai, marking a new milestone in India-France strategic partnership.
India France Critical Minerals Deal: What Was Signed?
- India France critical minerals cooperation took shape through a Joint Declaration of Intent announced during bilateral talks between Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron.
- The agreement focuses on securing diversified and sustainable supply chains for rare earth elements and other critical minerals.
- These minerals are essential for clean energy, electric vehicles, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
- Indian Ambassador Sanjeev Kumar Singla confirmed the development, highlighting the formation of a joint advanced technology development group.
- This India France critical minerals deal reflects growing strategic collaboration in emerging technologies and industrial resilience.
Why Critical Minerals Matter for Green and Digital Economy
- India France critical minerals cooperation is crucial because critical minerals support renewable energy systems, battery storage, digital infrastructure, and defence manufacturing.
- Leaders recognised their key role in enabling the green transition and advanced technologies.
- Rare earth elements are used in wind turbines, electric vehicles, solar panels and high-tech electronics.
- By partnering on exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling, both nations aim to reduce dependence on limited global suppliers.
- The India France critical minerals initiative strengthens long-term economic security and supports climate commitments under global sustainability goals.
CNRS Partnership and Advanced Technology Cooperation
- India France critical minerals collaboration also includes a Letter of Intent between India’s Department of Science and Technology and France’s CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research).
- The agreement proposes establishing a Centre on Advanced Materials to enhance research cooperation.
- CNRS is one of the world’s largest scientific institutions, known for basic research excellence.
- Both countries also decided to constitute a joint advanced technology development group.
- This initiative expands India France strategic partnership beyond minerals into innovation, industrial research, and emerging technologies.
Broader Strategic Talks: Indo-Pacific, Ukraine and Gaza
- India France strategic partnership discussions went beyond critical minerals.
- Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron expressed concern over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and supported a just and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy under the UN Charter.
- They also backed implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan and reiterated support for a two-state solution.
- In the Indo-Pacific region, both nations reaffirmed commitment to a free, open, and rules-based order.
- Cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), International Solar Alliance (ISA), and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was also strengthened.
Question
Q. India and France signed a Joint Declaration of Intent in which sector?
A) Agriculture
B) Critical Minerals
C) Tourism
D) Textiles
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