New Delhi, July 2 -- As China weaponizes its rare earth dominance and sparks fears over a similar threat in critical minerals, Quad members US, Japan, Australia and India have launched a Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, pledging to work together to secure and diversify supply chains. The demonstration of common purpose comes at a time when India, Japan and Australia are also in bilateral trade talks with US.

China dominates the world's critical mineral supply chain, with interests in mines across the globe and has developed the midstream segment of refining and processing. These form key components in the strategic sector including defence, electric mobility, telecommunications and electronics.

A joint statement by the Quad strategic ...