US Embassy Official Emphasizes Energy Security Collaboration with India

The US reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with India on energy security and economic growth, focusing on oil, gas, nuclear power, emerging energy technologies, and critical minerals. The US Embassy's Principal Commercial Officer, Xiabing Feng, highlighted the growing global demand for critical minerals and the opportunity for the US and India to lead in securing reliable and sustainable supply chains. The collaboration aims to strengthen long-term energy security.

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with India on energy security and economic growth, focusing on oil, gas, nuclear power, emerging energy technologies, and critical minerals. This strategic partnership aims to enhance long-term energy security and sustainability. The US Embassy's Principal Commercial Officer, Xiabing Feng, emphasized the growing global demand for critical minerals and the opportunity for the US and India to lead in securing reliable and sustainable supply chains [2].

The collaboration includes various initiatives, such as exploring critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths from heavy industries like aluminum, coal mining, and oil and gas. This strategic mineral recovery initiative aims to deepen cooperation on exploration and processing technologies. The US and India have signed an agreement to explore critical minerals, including lithium, which is crucial for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems [2].

Additionally, the US and India are considering energy deals that could include the return of Exxon Mobil to the Sakhalin-1 oil and gas project and Russia's purchase of American equipment for its LNG projects. These discussions aim to encourage Russia to agree to a peace deal and ease sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine. The US is trying to weaken ties between China and Russia by encouraging Russia to buy American technology instead of Chinese alternatives [1].

The US has also proposed purchasing nuclear-powered icebreakers from Russia, which could facilitate Arctic exploration and resource development. These discussions took place during the visit of US envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev. The proposals were also discussed at the White House, with the participation of US President Donald Trump [1].

The collaboration between the US and India on energy security and critical minerals is set to strengthen long-term energy security and sustainability. The strategic mineral recovery initiative is expected to foster long-term collaboration on various exploration stages, including processing and recycling technologies. The US and India's alignment on over 40 critical minerals beyond lithium will further enhance their cooperation in this area [2].

References:

[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/energy-deals-between-the-united-states-and-russia-on-the-table-at-peace-talks-over-ukraine-ce7c50d9db80f627
[2] https://passblue.com/2025/08/25/could-the-new-us-india-critical-minerals-pact-fall-apart/