India, April 5 -- In the tariff war with the US, China has put export controls on rare earths. In anticipation of such controls, President Donald Trump has been sharply focused on access and supply of mineral resources as part of his plan to reinforce economic security of the US.

The hunger for rare earths and critical minerals is shaping global geo-political developments. The control and access to minerals will define power equations for the next few decades. Countries with ready and affordable access to these minerals will strengthen their economies. Supply control of such minerals will underpin an economy's technological prowess.

The scramble for natural resources has been occurring for ages. Western powers have scrambled to control ...