India Eyes Russian Rare Earths As IREL Explores Siberian Deposit
India is exploring access to Russia’s Tomtor rare earth deposit in Siberia as state-run IREL evaluates the resource in partnership with Rosneft. The move comes amid growing concerns over China's export restrictions on critical minerals. Alongside overseas sourcing, India is strengthening domestic rare earth capabilities and aims to begin manufacturing rare earth magnets by 2029–30 to support EVs, renewable energy, defence, and semiconductor industries.
