New Delhi, April 18 -- As China tightens its grip on global rare earth supplies, imposing fresh restrictions on rare earth exports critical to defense and clean energy sectors, global powers are scrambling for alternative sources. The United States, heavily reliant on Chinese supplies for rare earth elements (REEs), has been particularly alarmed. Amid this disruption, India is being increasingly viewed as a potential strategic alternative and New Delhi is making moves to seize the opportunity.

Rare earth elements; such as neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, are vital for a wide range of applications, from electric vehicles (EVs) and wind turbines to missile guidance systems and semiconductors. Currently, China controls over 60% of global...