Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE) initiative

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said that India supports structured international cooperation to reduce risks in global critical mineral supply chains, amid a renewed push by the United States for coordinated action among partner countries. 

Address at Critical Minerals Ministerial

Speaking at the 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, Jaishankar highlighted the risks arising from excessive concentration in global supply chains and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to ensure secure, diversified and resilient access to critical minerals essential for clean energy, digital technologies and strategic industries. 

Support for FORGE Initiative

The External Affairs Minister also conveyed India’s support for the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE) initiative. FORGE has been announced by the United States as the successor to the Minerals Security Partnership, with the objective of strengthening cooperation on responsible sourcing, processing and supply chain resilience. 

High-Level US Participation

The ministerial was hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Vice President JD Vance and senior members of the US administration. The meeting saw participation from representatives of 54 countries and the European Commission, including 43 foreign and other ministers, reflecting broad international interest in critical minerals governance. 

Pax Silica Initiative

The discussions also took place against the backdrop of the Pax Silica initiative, launched by the United States in December 2025. The initiative aims to secure artificial intelligence (AI) supply chains, including access to critical minerals, through economic and technological alliances. 

Members and Industry Integration

Pax Silica includes a dozen developed and high-income economies and also integrates private companies to build cross-border partnerships, underlining the growing convergence of geopolitics, technology and mineral security. 

Strategic Significance for IndiaIndia’s stance underscores its push to diversify sources of critical minerals, reduce strategic vulnerabilities, and engage in rules-based multilateral frameworks to support its energy transition, digital economy and long-term strategic autonomy.