Fri, 16 Jan 2026

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 How realistic is India's quest for magnets made of rare earths

India has a $800m plan to make rare earth magnets, aiming to reduce dependence on Chinese imports - but can it work?

* In November 2025, India approved a $800m plan to reduce its dependence on China in rare earth magnets.
* India aims to produce 6,000 tonnes of permanent magnets per year within seven years and meet rising domestic demand.
* The country currently imports 80-90% of its magnets from China, which controls more than 90% of global rare earth processing.
* Experts warn that money alone will not be enough to achieve self-reliance in rare earths, as India lacks industrial expertise and strategic partnerships.
* The country needs to import technology, skill up its workforce, and build its own capabilities to become self-sufficient in rare earths.
* India has significant rare earth reserves but lacks the extractable quantities of heavier elements needed to make high-performance magnets.
* The plan may not be enough to address India's dependence on China, as producing 6,000 tonnes by 2032 may still leave the country short and exposed.
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