PM Modi Urges BRICS To Avoid Weaponising Minerals, Tech Or Supply Chains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the BRICS Outreach Session in Rio de Janeiro, urged member nations not to use critical minerals, technologies, or supply chains as tools for domination.

Without naming any country, he clearly signalled concerns over practices that threaten global equity, a veiled reference to China’s export controls on rare earths and fertilisers.

PM Modi stressed the need to build resilient and secure supply chains through cooperation and urged nations not to weaponise vital resources for narrow national interests.

“We must ensure these resources are not used solely for individual gain or as instruments of coercion,” he said.

Criticism of debt diplomacy and call for BRICS reform

In another sharp remark, again seen as directed towards China, PM Modi criticised the BRICS New Development Bank for sanctioning projects without fully considering the priorities of the recipient nations.

He called for demand-driven funding, financial sustainability, and a robust credit rating to avoid unsustainable debts that lead to economic and political coercion.

He urged BRICS to improve internal systems to retain credibility when calling for reforms in global institutions like the UN Security Council and international financial bodies.

This, he said, is necessary as BRICS steadily advances in economic cooperation.

India’s push for responsible AI governance

Shifting focus to the digital frontier, PM Modi called for responsible artificial intelligence governance.

He emphasised that developers must create AI to enhance human values rather than replace them.

“India is guided by the mantra of ‘AI for All’,” he stated, adding that the country is actively applying AI in health, agriculture, and governance.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who also spoke at the session, echoed Modi’s views.

He stressed that AI must benefit all countries, particularly the developing world, and cannot remain the privilege of a few.

Guterres also reiterated the need for reforming global governance structures to reflect the multipolar world, calling out structural imbalances in institutions like the Security Council.

Support for the global south

Highlighting India’s commitment to the Global South, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s resolve to work closely with all BRICS partners.

As a step towards inclusive development, he cited the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform established in India to share best practices in agri-biotech and climate adaptation.

He also proposed setting up a BRICS Science and Research Repository to extend knowledge-sharing across the Global South.

PM Modi’s address reflected India’s vision of a reformed, inclusive, and responsible global order, with BRICS leading by example on sustainable development, AI governance, and fair resource use.

Also read: PM Modi Calls On BRICS To Promote Responsible Use Of AI