What happened?
On September 10, 2025, it was announced, India is seeking to obtain rare-earth samples from Myanmar with the help of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The Ministry of Mines has asked state-owned and private firms — including IREL and Midwest Advanced Materials — to collect and transport samples from mines in Kachin state controlled by the rebel group. The plan is to test the samples in Indian labs for heavy rare earth content, which is crucial for making magnets used in electric vehicles and advanced electronics. Initial discussions took place online in July, and the KIA has reportedly begun gathering samples for India’s analysis. The rebels have also agreed to explore the feasibility of bulk exports to India, although logistical challenges remain.
Why it matters to India
China dominates the processing of rare earths, and has tightened exports to major economies, including India, using them as a geopolitical lever. Myanmar’s Kachin state holds some of the world’s richest deposits of heavy rare earths like dysprosium and terbium. By engaging with the KIA, India is trying to diversify away from China’s supply chain. Securing alternative supplies could help India develop its own industrial-scale facilities to process rare earths, an area where it currently lags. India is also exploring partnerships with Japanese and Korean firms to build processing capacity.