New Delhi, September 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warned global leaders against the “weaponisation of technology and critical minerals”, saying such practices could undermine the progress made towards shared growth, inclusive development and prosperity.
Speaking during his closing remarks on the second day of the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam, Modi said the group’s growing diversity and strength reflected the confidence placed in BRICS. He was seated beside Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit.
“Today, this group is uniting different continents, cultures, and development journeys. This is a testament to the growing strength, attraction, and unwavering confidence of BRICS,” Modi said.
Referring to the summit theme, ‘Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth’, the Prime Minister said India had, with the support of member states, worked to translate the shared vision into “win-win collaboration”.
On growing global tensions, Modi said conflicts, pandemics, climate-related disasters and supply chain disruptions had demonstrated that no crisis remains confined to one region in an interconnected world.
“Today, the global tensions are increasing, which is negatively affecting the common man,” he said, adding that BRICS had placed special emphasis on strengthening resilience within the grouping.
He said the BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework would help make supply chains “more reliable and resilient”.
Highlighting innovation initiatives, Modi said the BRICS Incubator Network would connect startups and incubators across member states, while India had proposed the BRICS Startup Innovation Fund to support innovative and scalable solutions.
He also highlighted the BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture, saying it would create new opportunities for farmers by aligning AI, geospatial technology and digital public infrastructure with their practical needs.
“The weaponisation of technology and critical minerals can create hurdles for common growth. Therefore, we have emphasised inclusivity in the adoption of technology,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to identify emerging challenges early, remain prepared and respond swiftly. He announced an early warning system for infectious diseases and new guidelines for disaster management.
“A consensus has been reached on a BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for the prevention of and response to infectious diseases. Additionally, Early Warning Data Integration Guidelines have been formulated for disaster management,” he said.
Modi said India had sought to strengthen the spirit of friendship, partnership and cooperation through BRICS, while ensuring that cooperation extends beyond governments.
“We have made efforts 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,” he said.
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