Russia has reportedly offered India access to the Tomtor rare earth metals deposit in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), in what could mark a significant step in bilateral critical minerals cooperation. State-owned Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL) is understood to be holding confidential talks with Rosneft on obtaining deposit samples for preliminary analysis, according to reports.

What the Tomtor Deposit Offer Involves

Under the proposed arrangement, deposit material would undergo preliminary processing in Russia before being shipped to India for detailed testing. Indian specialists would then assess its mineral composition to determine the viability and scope of further cooperation. Tomtor is considered one of the world's largest undeveloped sources of rare earth elements, making the offer strategically significant.

Control of the Tomtor project was transferred to Rosneft in 2025, as Moscow accelerated efforts to develop its domestic critical minerals sector. For Russia, deepening cooperation with India on strategic commodities provides an avenue to advance resource development and strengthen economic ties with a key trading partner.

India's Push to Diversify Critical Mineral Supply Chains

The discussions come as New Delhi intensifies efforts to build resilient supply chains for critical minerals and reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates global rare earth processing and supply. India holds the world's third-largest rare earth reserves, yet domestic processing capacity has historically lagged far behind raw reserve potential.

The government approved a $771 million programme in November 2025 to support domestic rare earth magnet production — a clear signal of intent to move up the value chain. Rare earth metals are essential inputs for permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and defence systems.

IREL's Broader Diversification Strategy

The Tomtor talks are part of a wider sourcing diversification push by IREL. The state miner is reportedly evaluating projects in Argentina, Australia, and Malawi, while also in discussions with Japanese and South Korean companies on potential partnerships. The multi-front approach reflects New Delhi's intent to avoid strategic dependence on any single supplier nation.

Wider India-Russia Resource Cooperation

The rare earth discussions are not an isolated development. Indian state-owned companies Steel Authority of India (SAIL) and National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) were also reportedly considering acquiring Russian coal assets, following an Indian delegation's visit in May that included meetings with Russian government officials and coal industry representatives. This suggests a broader, coordinated effort by New Delhi to leverage its relationship with Moscow for resource security across multiple commodity categories.

Whether the Tomtor talks advance to a formal agreement will depend on the outcome of IREL's technical assessment of the deposit samples — a process that could take several months.