China's Strategic Rare Earth Export Controls: Impact on Global Supply Chains and India's Mineral Independence

Oct 15, 2025 08:04 pm CST

China has expanded export restrictions on rare-earth elements (REEs) beyond raw materials to products with minimal Chinese content, implementing its first foreign direct product rule. This article examines China's dominance of critical mineral supply chains, the implications for India's defense and manufacturing sectors, and strategic approaches for achieving mineral independence. With India importing 90% of its neodymium magnets from China and demand projected to grow 105% by 2030, the article explores pathways to reduce dependency through domestic production, strategic partnerships, and indigenous innovation across the critical minerals value chain.