Critical minerals in Southeast Asia and India

This policy paper examines the critical minerals landscape in Southeast Asia and India, including the underlying resource endowments and production, national and regional policy approaches, trade and investment dynamics and operational and governance. Notably, the region holds significant shares of minerals such as nickel, bauxite, cobalt, rare earths, graphite and tin, among others. Combined with an established manufacturing base and deep trade integration, these endowments position Southeast Asia and India at the core of global critical mineral supply chains. At the same time, the region faces challenges to expanding processing activity. This policy paper recommends stronger market transparency, mobilising investment and skills for value addition, advancing circularity and innovation, and deepening India–ASEAN cooperation, including through the ongoing review of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement.