India in talks with Sri Lanka to acquire graphite mine block

New Delhi: India is in talks with Sri Lanka to acquire a graphite mine block in the island nation, pushing ahead with its plan to forge global alliances to secure critical mineral supplies, said people familiar with the development.

Separately, the country has received an offer from the United Arab Emirates to partner for critical minerals, they said. "Graphite is crucial for India since it is used for making batteries. Work is underway on a partnership with Sri Lanka to secure a graphite block on the island," an official said, adding that private entities have also been invited to actively participate in the process.

Sri Lankan graphite is considered among the purest in the world with more than 98% carbon content, said officials. India has also been in talks with other countries for procuring other critical minerals. "Agreements have been signed with the Democratic Republic of the Congo for cobalt and copper, Tanzania for niobium and graphite and South Africa for graphite and titanium," another official said.