BRICS Summit: Modi Cautions Against Weaponising Technology and Critical Minerals; Xi Backs Open-Source AI

NEW DELHI, Sep 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday cautioned against the growing weaponisation of technology and critical minerals, saying such practices could undermine shared development and deepen vulnerabilities across the Global South.

Addressing the concluding session of the BRICS summit hosted by India, Modi called for greater cooperation among member countries to tackle geopolitical tensions, economic disruptions and emerging global challenges. He stressed that BRICS must strengthen collective resilience while ensuring that technological progress remains inclusive and benefits developing nations.

The BRICS Summit brought together 11 major emerging economies representing nearly half of the world’s population and around 40 per cent of global GDP. The meeting concluded with several initiatives covering supply chains, startups, digital agriculture and infectious disease preparedness, alongside calls for reforms to global governance and the international trading system.

Against the backdrop of rising geopolitical and geo-economic tensions, the summit also produced a consensus joint declaration. India was able to bridge differences among members and partners over sensitive international issues, including developments in West Asia.

Modi said BRICS has gained greater credibility among countries of the Global South because it provides a platform where their concerns are heard and solutions are developed through partnership rather than imposed from outside.

“Weaponisation of technology and critical minerals can hinder our shared progress,” Modi said, emphasising the need for inclusive access to technological advances.

He called for cooperation that can withstand disruptions caused by conflicts, pandemics, climate-related disasters and interruptions to global supply chains.

“We may be rooted in different realities, but together, we rise through cooperation and blossom for humanity,” Modi said, highlighting India’s vision of using diversity and cooperation as drivers of development.

Xi Announces Open-Source AI Initiative

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China would lead the creation of an open-source artificial intelligence ecosystem for BRICS countries.

Under a five-point initiative, Beijing will support cooperation in developing and applying large language models, organise specialised AI seminars and training programmes, and promote an open environment for technological collaboration.

Xi said the initiative would help BRICS countries strengthen cooperation in technology, manufacturing and trade. His proposal also positions China as a major technology partner for emerging economies at a time of intense competition between Beijing and Washington in artificial intelligence.

China will host the next BRICS summit.

Xi also called on BRICS countries to make use of their strong links with emerging markets and the wider Global South to strengthen supply chains and develop a larger integrated market.

He urged developing countries to uphold international law and principles such as sovereign equality, non-interference in domestic affairs and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Putin Pushes Insurance and Grain Initiatives

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed establishing a new insurance mechanism and a joint initiative for the grain market among BRICS members.

Putin said the grouping should adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing economic and geopolitical challenges while creating new opportunities for growth across BRICS and the wider Global South.

His proposal comes as Western sanctions and restrictions have affected Russia’s access to international shipping and insurance services following the war in Ukraine.

Putin also suggested creating a dedicated BRICS platform aimed at supporting economic growth.

India Focuses on Resilience and Innovation

Modi said India’s BRICS chairship had centred on four key pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

Under the resilience agenda, member countries agreed on an integrated early warning mechanism for infectious diseases. Guidelines for integrating early-warning data in disaster management were also prepared.

The BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework is expected to support more reliable and resilient supply networks, helping members respond more effectively to future disruptions.

On innovation, Modi highlighted the BRICS Incubator Network, which will connect startups and incubators across member countries. India has also proposed a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund to support innovative and scalable solutions.

The BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture is another initiative aimed at linking artificial intelligence, geospatial technology and digital public infrastructure with agricultural needs.

Modi said India’s approach was to ensure that cooperation within the grouping extends beyond governments and includes entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, women, young people and ordinary citizens.

Through BRICS CONNECT, India has promoted skills, employability, women’s participation in the workforce, social security and capacity building. The BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal was launched to help smaller businesses gain access to knowledge, finance and new markets.

A BRICS Urban Mobility Hub has also been established to enable cities to exchange experiences and best practices.

Sustainability Remains a Key Priority

Modi underlined the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection.

He said India’s civilisational traditions view nature as a mother and emphasised that development and environmental protection should complement rather than compete with each other.

The prime minister said the sustainability agenda was aimed at ensuring that present development does not compromise the interests of future generations.

BRICS was originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The grouping expanded in 2024 with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, while Indonesia joined in 2025.

Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam became BRICS partner countries in 2025.

The concluding session was attended not only by BRICS leaders but also by leaders from partner countries and nations invited by India, reflecting the grouping’s growing engagement with the wider Global South.