New Delhi, May 26, 2026

As global competition over critical minerals intensifies, the Quad nations — India, the United States, Japan, and Australia — have announced a major $20 billion initiative aimed at strengthening supply chains and reducing dependence on limited global suppliers. The move reflects the growing importance of minerals used in electric vehicles, semiconductors, batteries, renewable energy, and defence manufacturing.

The announcement was made during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, where the four countries introduced the “Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework.” The plan focuses on boosting cooperation in mining, processing, recycling, and infrastructure development linked to critical minerals. The framework is also expected to encourage stronger participation from private industries and financial institutions.

Under the initiative, the Quad nations plan to mobilise investments through export credit agencies, development finance institutions, commercial partnerships, loans, guarantees, and insurance support. The countries are also exploring additional financial mechanisms to attract long-term investment across the Indo-Pacific region and build more resilient mineral supply networks.

The initiative comes at a time when concerns over supply disruptions and export restrictions have increased worldwide. Along with critical minerals cooperation, the Quad also highlighted collaboration on energy security, maritime connectivity, and regional infrastructure projects, signalling a broader push toward economic and strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific.