Current Affairs - International - Discussion

India is collaborating with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Myanmar to secure rare-earth mineral samples and diversify its supply chain beyond China. The KIA, founded in 1961, controls the Chipwe-Pangwa mining belt in Kachin state, a key source of heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium. These minerals are crucial for advanced technologies, including EVs, missiles, medical equipment, and renewable energy systems. As China dominates global rare earth production and processing, India’s partnership with Myanmar aims to strengthen supply security, reduce strategic dependence, and support the goals of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) launched in 2025.