India's ambitions to dominate in cutting-edge missiles, satellites, and a thriving tech industry rest on a shaky foundation: rare earth materials. These 17 critical metals, like Neodymium for powerful magnets and Dysprosium for advanced electronics, are the backbone of everything from defense systems to electric vehicles. Yet, India is trapped in a precarious position, producing just 2,900 metric tons in 2024 a mere fraction of its soaring demand. With nearly 90% of its rare earth imports sourced from China, which controls the global supply, India's defense and tech dreams are dangerously reliant on a single supplier. This isn't just a supply chain problem; it's a matter of national security for a nation striving to be a global powerhouse.
Rare earth materials are a group of 17 metallic elements, including the 15 lanthanides plus Scandium and Yttrium, prized for their unique magnetic and electrochemical properties. Despite their name, they're not rare Cerium, for instance, is more abundant than copper but their scattered deposits make extraction costly and complex. These metals are indispensable for high-tech applications, powering permanent magnets in missiles and electric vehicles, phosphors in smartphone screens, and catalysts in clean energy systems. India's heavy reliance on these materials underscores their strategic role in driving economic growth and bolstering national defense.
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