Narendra Modi says "weaponisation of technology and critical minerals" may hurt developing nations

At the Brics summit in New Delhi on Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said rivalry over advanced technology and mineral resources is increasingly being used as leverage in global affairs, potentially holding back less wealthy nations. He spoke on the second day alongside China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian. The 11-member group, representing roughly half the world’s population, has sought more influence for developing countries and alternatives to Western-centered finance. Its common statement endorsed a more plural global order, changes to the UN and lending bodies, broader use of national currencies, and opposed sanctions by single countries and trade obstacles. It also raised concern about conflicts in the Middle East and Sudan and agreed to a shared network to detect disease outbreaks early. Modi urged concrete results and passed the chair to China.