India, May 26 -- India and the United States on Tuesday signed a major framework agreement on critical minerals and rare earths during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to New Delhi, marking a significant step in strengthening strategic and economic ties between the two countries.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Marco Rubio signed the "Framework on Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths", aimed at building resilient supply chains independent of China's dominance in the sector.

The agreement covers the entire supply chain ecosystem, including mining, processing, refining, recycling, joint financing, and investment cooperation.

The pact comes amid growing global concerns o...