• France has proposed partnering with India to develop rare earth processing and refining capabilities before domestic mines begin production.

• French officials highlighted that processing, not mining, is the biggest bottleneck in the rare earth value chain.

• India can begin processing rare earths by importing concentrates from global suppliers, without waiting for local mines to become operational.

• French companies have expertise in rare earth separation, refining, metallisation, recycling, and magnet manufacturing.

• France is keen to participate in India’s proposed rare earth industrial corridors through technology partnerships and investments.

• France believes mining, processing, recycling, and downstream manufacturing should be developed simultaneously rather than sequentially.

• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and France’s BRGM will collaborate on AI-enabled mineral exploration, geological modelling, and recovery of critical minerals from mine tailings.

• The partnership aims to strengthen India’s technical capabilities and improve domestic resource security.

• France is also offering financial support through a €500 million critical minerals investment fund, government-backed loan guarantees, and development finance institutions.

• India and France are exploring opportunities to jointly invest in critical mineral projects in third countries to diversify global supply chains.

• The partnership focuses on building resilient and sustainable critical mineral supply chains through international cooperation rather than resource nationalism.