Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Mines of India and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan in the field of mineral resources

MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF MINES - OF INDIA AND THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY, TRADE AND INDUSTRY OF JAPAN IN THE FIELD OF MINERAL RESOURCES _2025 The Ministry of Mines of India and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (hereinafter jointly referred to as “Participants” and individually as a “Participant’); CONFIRMING their mutual interest in developing and reinforcing their cooperation in the field of mineral resources on the basis of this Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC); RECOGNIZING that this MoC establishes a framework for cooperation to deepen dialogue between Japan and India in the field of mineral resources on subjects of mutual interest; BELIEVING that such co-operation will further strengthen the friendly relations between the Participants, Have reached the following recognition: PARAGRAPH 1 OBJECTIVE The purpose of this MOC is to promote cooperation in the area of mining and mineral resources with the intention of expansion of business opportunities between the two countries in the field of mineral.PARAGRAGH 2 AREAS OF COOPERATION The areas of cooperation under this MoC will encompass the following activities: a. Exchange of information on mineral resources, including policies, regulations, possible joint development of critical mineral projects, mining auctions, sustainable deep-sea mining and other relevant information in the mineral extraction, processing, and efforts for stockpiling of critical minerals; b. Promote joint investments in the exploration, mining and processing for critical minerals in India and resource-rich countries. c. Additionally, any other forms of cooperation that are mutually consented in writing between the Participants will also be pursued. PARAGRAPH 3 CENTRAL AUTHORITIES The authorities responsible for the implementation of this MoC will be; a. In the case of the Republic of India, Ministry of Mines; and b. In the case of Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. PARAGRAPH 4 -IMPLEMENTATION AND JOINT WORKING GROUP (JWG) a. The competent authorities will be responsible for the identification of programmes and implementing agencies, the review of progress, and the evaluation of results to consider any other aspect relevant to the promotion of bilateral cooperation; b. In order to implement the cooperation of this MoC, the Participants may constitute a Joint Working Group (JWG) which will conduct periodical meetings and reviews as necessary, in their respective countries, alternately. c. The venue, agenda, date and mode (Physical or Virtual) of the meeting of the JWG will be determined by mutual consent in writing by the Participants.PARAGRAPH 5 BUDGET/ FINANCE The subsistence and travel expenses of all participants in different programmes of co-operation and in meetings of JWG contemplated in this MoC will be borne by the Participants that incurs such costs, while the other expenses will be borne according to the matters consented by the Participants. PARAGRAPH 6 PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS The Participants will take the necessary measures to protect the intellectual property rights resulting from any activity or project within the framework of this MoC. PARAGRAPH 7 | SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES AND GOVERNING LAWS a. Any dispute between the Participants arising out of the interpretation or implementation of this MoC will be settled amicably through consultation or negotiation between the Participants. b. Activities pursuant to this MoC will be governed and construed in line with the domestic laws of the respective countries of the Participants where activities are taking place. PARAGRAPH 8 MODIFICATION This MoC may be modified at any time by mutual written consent of the Participants through an exchange of notes between the Participants through the diplomatic channel.PARAGRAPH 9 COMMENCEMENT, DURATION, MODIFICATION and DISCONTINUATION a. This MoC, which will commence on the date of its signature by the Participants, is not intended to create rights or obligations under international or domestic law. | b. This MoC will continue for a period of five (5) years. It will then automatically renew for successive periods of five (5) years each, unless either Participant discontinues this MoC by giving the other Participant written notice at least three (3) months before the intended date of discontinuation. c. The discontinuation of this MoC will not affect the ongoing collaboration activities unless otherwise decided by the Participants. IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto by the respective Governments, have signed this MoC Signed at ...!°KY°__ on 28th day of August 2025 in original in English. For the Ministry of Mines, the | For the Ministry of Economy, Government of the Republic of India Trade and Industry of the Japan ShriG. Kishan Reddy | Mr. MUTO Yoji Union Minister of Coal & Mines Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry