India withdraws from Russian-backed lithium project in Mali over security concerns
India is pulling out of a Russian-backed lithium project in Mali due to security risks. New Delhi is now seeking safer mineral sources to meet its green goals.
Insights:
India 
IN has announced it will pull out of a lithium exploration project in Mali 
ML backed by the Russian 
RU state-owned firm Rosatom , citing escalating security risks in the West African nation. The decision, confirmed on February 12, 2026, directly impacts New Delhi’s strategic efforts to secure the lithium supplies required for its domestic electric-vehicle battery production. This move matters as it alters supply-access plans for a strategic mineral amid rising instability in Mali and broader efforts by New Delhi to diversify critical-minerals sources.
IN has announced it will pull out of a lithium exploration project in Mali ML backed by the Russian RU state-owned firm Rosatom , citing escalating security risks in the West African nation. The decision, confirmed on February 12, 2026, directly impacts New Delhi’s strategic efforts to secure the lithium supplies required for its domestic electric-vehicle battery production. This move matters as it alters supply-access plans for a strategic mineral amid rising instability in Mali and broader efforts by New Delhi to diversify critical-minerals sources.
