May 14 - India and Russia are in deep discussions on signing a preliminary agreement focused on cooperation in critical minerals. The proposed agreement will cover exploration, processing, and technical cooperation, with a focus on lithium and rare earth elements. Chempricehub assesses lithium carbonate with a bullish/bearish score of -1. India and Russia plan to advance cooperation in lithium exploration and processing, which in the long term will increase global lithium supply levels, exerting downward pressure on lithium carbonate prices. On May 13, 2026, the main lithium carbonate contract (2609) on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange closed at 201,960 yuan/ton, falling 3,960 yuan/ton in a single day, with open interest decreasing by 17,941 lots. A bearish market sentiment combined with expectations of increased supply is weighing on both spot and futures prices. Rare earth elements, bullish/bearish score: -1. India and Russia intend to cooperate in rare earth exploration and processing, which in the long term will increase global rare earth supply expectations, exerting downward pressure on rare earth prices.