India Puts Technology Cooperation at the Centre of BRICS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for stronger cooperation among BRICS nations to ensure that technology and critical minerals contribute to shared development rather than becoming sources of geopolitical pressure.

Speaking at the concluding session of the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Modi warned that the “weaponisation” of technology and critical minerals could slow collective progress. He stressed the importance of inclusive technology adoption and greater collaboration among member countries.

India’s BRICS presidency has focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, with an emphasis on creating solutions that can support inclusive global growth.

Focus on the Global South

Modi highlighted the importance of making solutions developed within BRICS accessible and adaptable to countries across the Global South.

According to him, BRICS countries operate in different economic and social realities, but cooperation can help them address common challenges. He said confidence in the grouping has increased among developing nations because their perspectives are being heard and their experiences are being recognised.

The Prime Minister emphasised that solutions should not simply be designed for developing countries, but developed with them. This approach, he suggested, can make technology-driven growth more inclusive and relevant to diverse economies.

Critical Minerals Become a Strategic Concern

Critical minerals have become increasingly important for modern industries, including advanced electronics, renewable energy, electric mobility and high-tech manufacturing. Restrictions affecting access to such resources and related technologies have therefore become an important concern for economies seeking to strengthen their technological capabilities.

While Modi did not name any country during his remarks, his comments came amid wider concerns over restrictions on rare-earth exports and high-tech equipment that have affected global supply chains.

His message was centred on reducing the risks created when essential technologies and resources become instruments of strategic competition.

Innovation, Startups and Digital Agriculture

India’s BRICS presidency also placed innovation and practical technology applications among its priorities. New initiatives during the presidency have focused on areas including health, logistics, startups and digital agriculture.

The broader objective is to use cooperation and innovation to address development challenges while ensuring that technological progress reaches a wider section of society.

For India, the discussions also reinforce its efforts to position itself as a key voice for developing economies and an advocate of technology-led inclusive growth.

A Call for Collaborative Progress

Modi’s BRICS message underlined a central theme of India’s presidency: global technological progress should be built around cooperation, accessibility and sustainability.

As competition over advanced technologies and critical resources intensifies, BRICS could play an important role in developing collaborative approaches that strengthen resilience while keeping the interests of emerging and developing economies at the forefront.

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