Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised concerns over the growing use of critical minerals, technology and supply chains as instruments of geopolitical pressure, warning that such practices could undermine global economic progress and equitable development.
His remarks highlight the growing competition over resources and technologies essential to the digital economy, clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Warning Comes Amid Growing Geopolitical Tensions
Addressing the concluding session of the two-day BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 13, 2026, Modi said that the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals could hinder shared progress and prosperity. He also highlighted how geopolitical tensions are increasingly affecting ordinary people across the world.
The Prime Minister's warning came as BRICS countries seek greater cooperation in technology, energy security and resilient supply chains. Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, are essential for sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy and advanced electronics.
India Pushes for Inclusive Technology and Resilient Supply Chains
Modi stressed the importance of inclusive technology adoption, arguing that technological progress should contribute to shared development rather than deepen economic inequalities. His remarks reflected India's broader emphasis on cooperation among developing countries and ensuring that the benefits of innovation reach the Global South.
The BRICS summit also addressed wider challenges involving supply-chain disruptions, climate crises and global economic stability. Modi called for collective action to ensure that international crises do not disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Critical Minerals Become a Strategic Global Concern
Critical minerals have emerged as a major issue in global economic and technological competition. Their importance to clean-energy technologies and advanced manufacturing has increased concerns about supply concentration, export restrictions and geopolitical dependencies.
At the summit, Modi's comments underscored the need for reliable, diversified and fair access to these resources. The BRICS New Delhi Declaration also called for resilient and sustainable critical-mineral supply chains that support economic diversification and benefit resource-rich countries.