India advances critical‑minerals partnership with Japan and launches Southeast Asian diplomatic tour

On July 3 in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Trade Minister Sanae Takaichi announced a joint effort to deepen cooperation on critical minerals and other strategic sectors, citing the need to reduce dependence on China. The statement pledged $12.3 billion of investment, part of Japan’s $68 billion commitment to India, and expressed “grave concerns” over arbitrary export restrictions. The two governments also agreed to co‑develop a naval radio antenna and strengthen supply‑chain resilience in semiconductors, quantum technologies and critical minerals.

Later that week Modi began a week‑long visit to Indonesia (July 6‑8), Australia (July 8‑10) and New Zealand (July 10‑11). The itinerary focuses on trade, defence, secure supply chains for commodities such as critical minerals, and people‑to‑people ties. He will meet Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, discuss maritime security in the Malacca Strait, and advance negotiations on regional trade agreements and a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement with Australia.