India and the United States are likely to sign an initial pact for cooperation on critical minerals this week, two government sources said, as the two countries try to bolster trade ties despite diplomatic hiccups.

The initial pact on critical minerals would help build supply chains, exchange technical know-how, and promote collaboration between Indian and American businesses in the sector

Critical minerals, such as cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel and rare earths, play a crucial role in the production of clean energy technologies, from wind turbines to electric cars