India and Brazil Plot Critical Minerals and AI Alliance Amid Fragile Global Order
India and Brazil are moving to deepen strategic cooperation in critical minerals and artificial intelligence, signaling a new phase in South–South collaboration as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and technological rivalries reshape the global order.
Officials and policy stakeholders from both countries have been exploring frameworks to jointly secure supplies of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements—resources essential for clean energy, electric mobility, defence manufacturing and advanced digital infrastructure. Brazil’s vast mineral reserves and India’s rapidly expanding manufacturing and technology ecosystem are seen as complementary strengths.
Alongside minerals, artificial intelligence has emerged as a central pillar of the proposed partnership. The two countries are considering collaboration in AI research, data governance, skill development and industrial applications, with an emphasis on ethical use, digital inclusion and reducing dependence on a narrow set of global technology suppliers.
The initiative reflects growing concerns among emerging economies about over-reliance on existing supply chains dominated by a few major powers. By working together, India and Brazil aim to diversify sourcing, promote resilient value chains and enhance strategic autonomy in both raw materials and advanced technologies.
The discussions also align with the broader agenda of multilateral groupings such as BRICS, where both nations have called for a more balanced global economic architecture. Analysts say an India–Brazil alliance in minerals and AI could strengthen the voice of developing economies in setting standards, pricing mechanisms and governance norms for future technologies.
While still at an exploratory stage, the partnership underscores how geopolitical uncertainty and technological competition are pushing major emerging economies to seek trusted partners beyond traditional alliances.