India issues rare-earth magnet import licences as China export controls ease

The Republic of India government announced that several domestic companies have received licences to import rare-earth magnets from People’s Republic of China, signalling a partial easing of Beijing’s export-control regime. Rare-earth magnets are critical components for electric vehicles, aerospace systems and defence equipment, a domain where China holds near-absolute processing dominance. The move comes amid a broader U.S.–China trade deal that included rare-earths-export considerations. India did not disclose the number of licences or beneficiary firms, underscoring ongoing strategic supply-chain risks.