Xi in the room, PM Modi warns against ‘weaponisation of critical minerals’

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warned against the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals, saying that there is a need for inclusivity in the adoption of technology.During his closing remarks on the second day of the Brics summit, PM Modi said that tightening control over technology and critical minerals could hinder shared progress of countries.“Under the umbrella of innovation, the Brics Incubator Network will connect our startups and incubators. We have proposed the Brics Startup Innovation Fund to promote innovative and scalable solutions. The Brics Network on Digital Agriculture will create new opportunities for farmers; through this initiative, AI, geospatial technology, and digital public infrastructure will be aligned with the actual needs of farmers. The weaponisation of technology and critical minerals could hinder our shared progress; therefore, we have emphasised inclusivity in the adoption of technology,” PM Modi said.“The strength of Brics lies in our diversity and cooperation. We may be rooted in different realities, but together we rise through cooperation and blossom for humanity. May our diversity remain our identity, our cooperation serve as our inspiration, and our progress benefit all of humanity,” he added.Interestingly, the remarks were made in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Although the Prime Minister did not name any particular country, the remarks can be seen as a message to Beijing, which holds a dominant position in global supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths.Last year, China tightened its export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing during trade negotiations with the United States.China controls more than 90 percent of global rare-earth refining, giving it enormous leverage over critical technologies, from the permanent magnets used in EVs and AI data centres to components in advanced electronics and semiconductors.During his address, PM Modi also said that “India has advanced the spirit of friendship, partnership, and cooperation through the Brics platform.”“We have endeavoured to ensure that Brics cooperation is not limited to governments alone; we want our entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, women, youth, and ordinary citizens to become active participants as well,” PM Modi said.“I can say from personal experience that the trust of Global South nations in Brics has grown, because their voices are heard, their experiences are respected, and solutions are crafted not just for them, but with them. The strength of Brics lies in our diversity and cooperation. We may be rooted in different realities, but together we rise through cooperation and blossom for humanity. May our diversity remain our identity, our cooperation serve as our inspiration, and our progress benefit all of humanity,” he added.

The last leg of the summit focused on the core pillars of India’s 2026 Brics chairship — resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. The two-day summit is being hosted by India on September 12-13 under the chairship theme, “Building for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.”The open session is part of the two-day Brics summit being hosted by India on September 12-13 under the chairship theme, “Building for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.”