In a major strategic push to strengthen India’s critical minerals and advanced manufacturing ecosystem, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced the creation of dedicated rare earth corridors in mineral-rich states including Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, as part of the Union Budget 2026.

Move aims to build integrated value chains for strategic minerals

Presenting her record ninth consecutive Union Budget in Parliament, Sitharaman said the government will actively support these states in building integrated rare earth value chains, recognising their importance in securing supply of critical materials needed for clean energy, electronics, defence and high-tech manufacturing.