India Eyes Rare Earth Metals in Yakutia as Talks with Rosneft Begin.

India and Russia Forge Closer Ties in Rare Earth Mining

According to Espreso.tv: India is exploring access to the Tomtor rare earth metal deposit located in Yakutia, Russia. As part of this initiative, negotiations are underway with Rosneft to obtain raw material samples. The Tomtor deposit is a significant resource, with estimated reserves of approximately 154 million tons of ore.

Control of the project shifted to Rosneft in 2025, potentially opening new avenues for collaboration between India and Russia in the rare earth mining sector. India holds the world's third-largest rare earth reserves—about 7.2 million tons—underscoring its drive to secure additional supply sources.

India's Energy Strategy

India began purchasing oil from Russia in 2022, attracted by its low cost and availability, as noted by Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. This strategy not only meets the country's energy needs but also fosters broader cooperation with Russia, including in rare earth extraction.

By actively pursuing involvement in the Tomtor project, India aims to strengthen its position in the global rare earth market, which could significantly impact economic ties between the two nations.

This collaboration between India and Russia in rare earth mining has the potential to reshape the global supply landscape, as these materials are critical for technological innovation and electronics manufacturing. Expanding Indian investments in this sector also highlights the country's growing geopolitical influence, as it seeks to reduce reliance on traditional suppliers and secure strategic resources.