India, Feb. 23 -- The digital is the future, and rare earths are its main ingredients. Any country that seeks to dominate the digital and AI age must have ample resources and a supply chain to feed its digital revolution. So far, India has heavily depended on China for its rare earths and other critical minerals. But given the volatility of Indo-China relations, China can always use it as a lever to subdue India in trying times.

In this context, the visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to India marks more than a ceremonial reaffirmation of ties. Brazil and India are two major nations of the Global South and have always had good relations, but with the shifting geopolitics, this friendship needs to be strategic and mutua...