India and Australia have been invited to participate in a high-level G7 meeting on critical minerals, signalling a growing recognition of their strategic importance in reshaping global supply chains for essential resources. The meeting, to be hosted by the United States, will bring together finance ministers and senior officials from leading economies to discuss cooperation on minerals that are vital for clean energy transitions, advanced manufacturing, and national security.
The invitation was confirmed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said the discussions aim to strengthen coordination among like-minded countries to ensure reliable, diversified, and resilient access to critical minerals. These materials — including lithium, rare earth elements, cobalt, copper, graphite, and nickel — are indispensable for technologies such as electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy systems, and defence equipment.
Why Critical Minerals Are Now a Global Priority
In recent years, critical minerals have emerged as one of the most sensitive issues in global economic diplomacy. Many advanced economies have expressed concern over the concentration of mining, processing, and refining capacities in a limited number of countries, creating potential vulnerabilities in supply chains. Disruptions or restrictions in access to these materials could significantly impact industrial output, energy transitions, and technological innovation.
According to officials familiar with the agenda, the G7 meeting will focus on reducing over-dependence on single suppliers, encouraging responsible mining practices, boosting investment in processing infrastructure, and creating trusted supply networks among partner countries. “Critical minerals are no longer just a commercial issue — they are a strategic imperative,” a senior US official said, highlighting the urgency of collective action.
India’s Growing Role in Strategic Resources
India’s invitation to the G7 discussions reflects its rising profile as a key stakeholder in global resource security. Over the past few years, New Delhi has identified critical minerals as central to its long-term economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and energy security. The government has taken steps to classify several minerals as “critical” and has initiated policies to secure overseas assets, promote domestic exploration, and strengthen international partnerships.
Indian policymakers have consistently stressed the importance of diversified sourcing. “Access to critical minerals is essential for India’s clean energy ambitions and manufacturing goals. International cooperation is crucial to ensure stable and affordable supplies,” an official familiar with India’s position noted.
Participation in the G7 meeting would allow India to align its national strategies with broader global frameworks, while also contributing perspectives from emerging economies that are both large consumers and potential processors of critical minerals.
Australia’s Strategic Advantage
Australia’s inclusion in the talks comes as no surprise. The country is one of the world’s richest sources of several critical minerals and has positioned itself as a reliable supplier to global markets. With strong regulatory frameworks and existing partnerships with major economies, Australia has become central to efforts aimed at building alternative supply chains.
Canberra has been actively expanding cooperation with partners to develop mining, processing, and refining capabilities, while also focusing on sustainability and environmental standards. An Australian official said the country is keen to work with partners to ensure that “critical mineral supply chains are transparent, resilient, and aligned with shared values.”
Geopolitical and Economic Implications
The G7’s outreach to India and Australia highlights how critical minerals have moved to the forefront of geopolitical strategy. As countries race to secure resources needed for the green transition and digital economy, competition and cooperation are increasingly intertwined.
Experts believe the meeting could pave the way for joint investments, coordinated stockpiling strategies, and shared standards on environmental and labour practices. It may also strengthen ties between developed and emerging economies in managing future supply shocks.
The discussions are expected to explore how financial tools, policy coordination, and private-sector participation can accelerate the development of diversified supply chains. Observers say the outcome of the meeting could influence global markets and investment flows in the critical minerals sector for years to come.
Looking Ahead
While it is yet to be officially confirmed whether India will attend the meeting, the invitation itself underscores New Delhi’s growing strategic relevance in global economic forums beyond traditional groupings. For both India and Australia, participation in the G7 discussions represents an opportunity to shape the rules and partnerships that will define access to the building blocks of future technologies.
As the world accelerates toward clean energy, digitalisation, and advanced manufacturing, critical minerals are set to become one of the defining issues of international cooperation — and the upcoming G7 meeting marks an important step in that direction.
