<h1>Australia and India deepen partnership on critical minerals and rare earths to boost batteries, solar manufacturing and investment</h1> An Australian trade official stated that critical minerals and rare earths are becoming central to the bilateral economic partnership, noting significant Australian reserves complement India's battery and solar manufacturing needs. A cooperation pact between an Australian critical minerals office and an Indian government-backed joint venture was signed to jointly fund and develop projects, and numerous Australian mining firms are expanding operations in India. Negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement are ongoing without a timeline, while an interim Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement remains in force, affecting market access and investment collaboration in the sector.