Modi Flags Weaponisation of Technology and Critical Minerals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns over the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals at the BRICS summit held in New Delhi on 14 September 2026. He linked access to technology, mineral processing, and supply chains with shared prosperity, global resilience, and cooperation among BRICS members.

BRICS and its membership

BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies. The bloc originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and it later expanded to include new members such as the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Critical minerals and strategic supply chains

Critical minerals are minerals essential for energy systems, electronics, defence production, and advanced manufacturing. Global concern over critical minerals has increased because China has a dominant position in several stages of mineral processing and has used export restrictions in some cases.

The New Delhi Declaration of 13 September 2026 called for reliable, diversified, resilient, and just supply chains of critical minerals. The declaration also linked mineral cooperation with benefit sharing and economic diversification in resource-rich countries.

India’s BRICS presidency priorities

India’s BRICS presidency focused on four pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. The summit produced initiatives in health, logistics, startups, and digital agriculture under these themes.

The BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework was agreed upon to improve supply chain reliability and resilience. The BRICS Incubator Network was proposed to connect startups across member countries.

Technology cooperation and artificial intelligence

Modi called for inclusive use of technology and cooperation to protect ordinary citizens from global conflicts. He stated that unequal access to technology and critical minerals can affect development outcomes in the Global South.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced plans for an open-source artificial intelligence ecosystem for the Global South. He also called for BRICS cooperation on supply chains and an integrated market.

Important Facts for Exams

• BRICS is a grouping of emerging economies that began with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• Critical minerals are used in batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy systems, and defence technologies.
• The New Delhi Declaration was issued on 13 September 2026 during the BRICS summit in New Delhi.
• The BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework is linked to supply chain reliability and resilience.

Exam-relevant context

Supply chain resilience is a recurring theme in global economic diplomacy and industrial policy. Artificial intelligence, startup ecosystems, and digital agriculture are now common subjects in multilateral cooperation frameworks.