Sunday 23 / August / 2026
NEW DELHI: Japan and India have held their first government-level joint event focused on recycling critical minerals, including rare earth elements, as both countries seek to reduce dependence on China for key mineral supplies.
Held at the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi, the event brought together around 130 participants, including government officials and recycling industry representatives. The programme featured panel discussions, presentations and opportunities for Japanese and Indian companies to explore potential partnerships.
China currently dominates the global market for critical minerals and rare earths, leaving Japan and India heavily reliant on imports. At the same time, India is the world's third-largest generator of electronic waste, creating significant potential for recovering valuable minerals from discarded electronic devices.
Japan and India are seeking to tap these underutilized resources and develop recycling networks that could strengthen their supply chains and reduce dependence on China.
The event was co-hosted by the Japanese Embassy and Japan's Ministry of the Environment.
"There is a global scramble for rare earths," said Joji Murakami, head of the Indian unit of Honda Trading, which is affiliated with Japanese automaker Honda. Rare earth minerals are used by Honda in components for electric motors.
Murakami said the Honda group is seeking Indian partners involved in recycling as it looks to diversify its supply chains and reduce reliance on Chinese sources.
