India-U.S. to launch lithium processing initiative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, announced an agreement on creating strong supply chains of critical minerals, advanced materials and pharmaceuticals.

During a joint press conference with Trump, PM Modi said it has also been decided to launch a recovery and processing initiative for strategic minerals like lithium and rare earth.

“Today we have agreed on TRUST, i.e. Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology,” said PM Modi.

India and the United States will work together in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum, biotechnology, and other technologies, said PM Modi.

In the nuclear energy sector, the two leaders talked about increasing cooperation in the direction of small modular reactors.

On defence, PM Modi said the two countries have decided to launch the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance. “In the coming time, new technology and equipment will increase our capability... The Defence Cooperation Framework will be created for the next decade. Defence inter-operability, logistics, repair and maintenance will also be its main parts,” said PM Modi.

“America has an important role in India's defence preparedness. As strategic and trusted partners, we are actively moving in the direction of joint development, joint production and transfer of technology,” he added.

Commenting on the partnership between Indian Space Research Organisation and NASA, PM Modi said, “We have had close cooperation with the US in the field of space. The ‘NISAR’ satellite, built in collaboration with ISRO and NASA, will soon fly into space on the Indian launch vehicle.”

The partnership between India and the United States underpins democracy and democratic values and systems, said PM Modi. “We will work together to enhance peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad will have a special role to play in this.”

In the Quad Summit to be held in India this year, PM Modi said India will increase cooperation with partner countries in new areas. “We will work together on economic corridors and connectivity infrastructure.”