India, UK launch observatory to track critical minerals supply chains

India and the United Kingdom officially launched the India-UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO) on June 4, 2026, in New Delhi. The observatory, a joint initiative, will monitor global critical mineral supply chains to identify risks and support policymaking amid rising demand from clean energy and advanced manufacturing industries. It was inaugurated by Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The platform was developed collaboratively by TEXMiN at the Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, and the University of Cambridge. According to the Ministry of Mines, the observatory will provide data-driven insights to track supply chain disruptions, generate market intelligence, and assist policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in decision-making. The launch aligns with India’s efforts to secure critical minerals essential for electric vehicles, battery storage, renewable energy equipment, and advanced manufacturing. Under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), the government is focusing on domestic exploration, mineral block auctions, and overseas asset acquisitions to reduce import dependence and bolster supply-chain resilience. The initiative complements the India-UK Technology Security Initiative, which expands cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications. The observatory was first announced during a bilateral meeting between the prime ministers of India and the UK in October 2025 and formalized through a research collaboration agreement signed in March 2026. Union Minister Reddy highlighted that the observatory would enhance India’s supply-chain intelligence capabilities and support evidence-based policymaking under the NCMM. UK Foreign Secretary Cooper emphasized that improved access to critical minerals and information-sharing would benefit both nations, fostering economic growth and supply-chain security. The partnership aims to set a foundation for broader cooperation in critical minerals and related strategic industries.