India and Myanmar are expanding rare earth mining cooperation as New Delhi seeks to diversify its critical mineral supply chain and reduce its reliance on China. Speaking at the opening of a mining forum in Mandalay, India’s Ambassador to Myanmar Abhay Thakur highlighted growing bilateral engagement in the rare earths sector, describing it as a mutually beneficial opportunity for both countries.
Thakur said cooperation between India and Myanmar in mining has gained significant momentum over the past two years, supported by multiple government and industry engagements focused on rare earths and other critical minerals.
Rare Earth Mining Cooperation Gains Momentum
The strengthening rare earth mining cooperation follows visits by two Indian delegations to Myanmar in December 2024 and February 2026 to explore opportunities in rare earths and critical minerals. According to Thakur, the sector has also received high-level political attention during Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit to India earlier this year.
“India’s need for harnessing critical minerals, coupled with the benefits to Myanmar from sustainable mining, presents solid, win-win, short and long-term opportunities,” Thakur said during the forum.
Myanmar plays a significant role in the global rare earth supply chain, with nearly half of the world’s heavy rare earths extracted from mines in Kachin State before being transported to China for processing into permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other advanced technologies.
Indian Companies Explore Critical Mineral Opportunities
Several Indian companies participated in the Mandalay mining forum, reflecting growing commercial interest in rare earth mining cooperation. The delegation included representatives from IREL, NTPC Mining, Himadri Specialty, Oceanic Sands, PrNd Metal & Magnets, and Jai Puri Holdings.
Thakur also noted that Midwest from India has remained actively engaged with Myanmar in recent years, although he did not disclose details of the company’s activities.
Previous reports have indicated that state-owned IREL and private-sector firms have explored opportunities to obtain rare earth samples from mining areas in Myanmar as India works to strengthen access to strategic minerals.
Partnership Supports Critical Mineral Supply Diversification
The expanding rare earth mining cooperation aligns with India’s broader strategy to secure alternative sources of critical minerals that are essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, electronics manufacturing, and other strategic industries.
For Myanmar, deeper collaboration with India could encourage sustainable mining practices, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s position within global critical mineral supply chains. As demand for rare earth elements continues to grow worldwide, closer cooperation between the two countries is expected to support supply chain resilience and long-term resource development.