Rare Earth Reality

India and China's willingness to discuss ways of unlocking supplies is just what the doctor ordered

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It's a sign of pragmatism that India and China have finally decided to dial down the rhetoric over rare earth metals and have signaled a willingness to discuss the issue. The governments of both countries should recognize that global relations thrive on pragmatism, not posturing. A give-and-take approach may be one way of unlocking supplies.

With rare earth inventories dwindling and production lines at risk, India could not afford to let its rigid stance vis-a-vis China outpace practicality in this high-stakes game of rare earth geopolitics. Good diplomacy demands a generous dose of realism and Thursday's statements from both countries reflect a thaw on this critical issue.