Critical Minerals

Critical Minerals: The New Oil of the 21st Century?

Critical minerals are not literally the new oil, but they may play a comparable role in defining the balance of power. The race has already begun, and India’s preparedness will determine whether it merely secures access to the resources of the new century or helps shape the industrial order that emerges from them.

Trade Pivot Weakens Pakistan’s Grip on Afghanistan, as Others Move in

Afghanistan has sought to limit or reduce its structural vulnerability by moving trade through Iran’s Chabahar Port and Central Asian corridors. Kabul is realigning Afghanistan’s external economic geography by looking towards Iran, Central Asia, China and India.

India's Sugar Economy and Ethanol Politics: The Demand-Supply Imbalance Threatens to Mar Festival Season

The current rise in Indian sugar prices is the result of several factors rather than ethanol alone. Lower-than-expected production—from an initial estimate of 343 LMT to about 306 LMT—is central to the supply concern. Weather damage, disease, festival demand, global prices and market speculation have added to the pressure.

Can Iran's Chabahar Help Turkiye and India do Business?

Chabahar will not transform Türkiye–India relations. It can, however, show whether two countries with serious political disagreements are capable of making one difficult commercial route work.

More on Economy, Trade and Development

China fast-tracks key defence projects in Bangladesh

For Chinese Ambassador in Bangladesh, Li Jiming, bringing Chinese companies to Dhaka is not the only priority

China needles Bhutan once again over boundary issue

Relentless in its aggression towards its neighbours during the coronavirus pandemic, China has once again staked claim over the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan

Banned Chinese apps told to strictly comply with order: India

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed the 59 banned Chinese apps to strictly adhere to the orders or face serious action in case of violation, sources said

Bangladesh vaccine trial: Chinese envoy to be first volunteer

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming will be the first volunteer to take part in the final or phase-3 human trial of a prospective Chinese COVID-19 vaccine in Bangladesh

How India can counter China's strategic game plan

China is showcasing its capability and capacity to move on from COVID and to simultaneously engage militarily and provocatively (belligerent actions against 27 immediate and near continental and maritime neighbours) in SCS and ECS, and India, and economical and diplomatic coercion elsewhere, writes Lt Gen P R Kumar (retd) for South Asia Monitor

Work on CPEC projects going on across Pakistan

China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority Chairman Lt Gen (R) Asim Saleem Bajwa said that work on CPEC projects are going on across the country

Iran-India send first shipment of Afghan goods via Chabahar to China

As Tehran's relationship with Washington remains fidgety, it is walking a tightrope in its bilateral relationships with the US' rival, China and ally, India

Amid border row with China, Indian and US navies carry out drill

Indian and the US navies carried out a swift exercise close to the Andaman and Nicobar islands on Monday as the stand-off between India and China continues for over two months

IAF to get Rafale boost amid India-China standoff

At least five out of the first batch of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft are likely to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) by July end, providing it much-needed muscle amid a depleting fighter strength

Bangladesh approves trials of Chinese firm Sinovac’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate

Authorities in Bangladesh have approved Stage 3 trials of a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by Chinese firm Sinovac Biotech

PLA troops non-committal about retreat, India keeps a wary eye

Chinese troops have not moved back from the Line of Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in line with the consensus arrived at during the disengagement talks between India and China, sources said on Saturday

India scans Chinese investments with PLA links

While efforts are afoot to normalise Indo-China relations, the ground reality is far from normal

China contract terminated, freight corridor contract to go to Indian firm

Pursuant to Prime Minister Narendra  Modi's 'Self-Reliant India' policy, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation India Ltd will give the work of the signalling on 417 km route of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor to Indian companies after it terminated the contract with the Chinese firm, officials said on Saturday

'India wants peace but no guarantee of outcome of China talks'

India wants peace but there is no guarantee of the final outcome of talks with China, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday in eastern Ladakh region as he reviewed the ground situation of troops in the hostile border areas

Chinese firms propose setting up of 700MW project for two SEZs

It is the government’s priority to ensure provision of uninterrupted and affordable energy to industries, remarked Minister of State and Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Atif R Bokhari