France and India have moved their critical-minerals cooperation into a new phase after holding their first joint working-group meeting focused on strategic raw materials on 6–7 July 2026.
The meeting followed the bilateral declaration signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s February 2026 visit to India, establishing a framework for cooperation in areas including mineral supply chains and industrial development.
Joint working group covers mining and recycling activities
Discussions between the two countries focused on a broad range of critical-minerals activities, including exploration, mining, mineral processing, recycling, research and circular-economy initiatives.
The talks also included technical exchanges between France’s Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM) and the Geological Survey of India on geological cooperation and resource-related activities. The working group is intended to support cooperation across the full mineral value chain, from identifying resources through processing and recycling technologies.
Potential projects under review in multiple regions
France’s Interministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals and Metals Supplies, Benjamin Gallezot, said the two countries were examining potential projects located in France, India and third countries. No specific projects, investment amounts, corporate transactions or binding agreements were announced during the discussions. The cooperation framework is focused on identifying future opportunities rather than confirming immediate mining or processing investments.
Industrial cooperation could extend beyond raw materials supply
The initiative reflects France’s interest in developing India as both a source of mineral resources and a potential partner for processing and recycling activities. India combines domestic mineral resources, significant industrial demand and expanding government support for supply chains linked to rare-earth magnets and battery materials.
The framework could eventually create opportunities involving French engineering capabilities, mineral-processing technologies, geological expertise and potential offtake arrangements. The immediate commercial impact remains limited until individual companies, projects and financing structures are identified.
