This paper investigates India and Canada’s strategic approaches to managing critical minerals, vital for technological progress and economic security in the face of global reliance on these resources for high-tech, renewable energy, and defense sectors. India employs a comprehensive policy framework, adapting global best practices to local contexts, identifying and assessing 30 critical minerals crucial for diverse industries, and the nation’s commitment to a low-emission economy. Addressing supply chain challenges, India employs strategic sourcing, international collaboration, and policy innovation to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities, emphasizing a nuanced balance between economic development, national security, and sustainable resource management. In parallel, Canada has identified 31 critical minerals, emphasizing a policy framework aligned with global best practices and tailored to local circumstances. With economic implications extending across key industries, Canada, like India, navigates supply chain challenges through strategic sourcing, international collaboration, and policy innovations. Both nations showcase a commitment to leveraging critical minerals for technological advancement while managing economic, security, and environmental considerations. This comparative analysis sheds light on the diverse strategies employed by India and Canada, contributing valuable insights to the global discourse on securing and managing critical minerals for a sustainable and resilient future.