Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged Brics leaders to recognise the risks of weaponising “technology and critical minerals,” warning that such practices could undermine global progress and prosperity.
He stressed that in today’s interconnected world, no crisis remains confined to a single region.
Speaking in New Delhi on the second day of the Brics Summit, with Chinese President Xi Jinping present, Modi noted that geopolitical tensions erupting worldwide are impacting all nations.
“The world is witnessing increasing tensions, having a significant negative impact on the lives of ordinary people. Pandemics, climate disasters and supply chain disruptions have demonstrated that in today’s interconnected world, no crisis remains confined to a single region,” he said.
Although Modi did not cite specific examples, his remarks came against the backdrop of energy supply disruptions caused by the US‑Iran war, which has paralysed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane. He also referred to the COVID‑19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China, and spread globally, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives.
Modi emphasised that Brics has placed special focus on building resilience. “It is equally essential to identify challenges in a timely manner, remain prepared for them and take immediate action,” he said.
He announced that the bloc had reached consensus on establishing a BRICS Integrated Early Warning System to prevent and respond to infectious diseases, adding that guidelines for integrating early warning data are now ready.
Other leaders present during Narendra Modi’s address on the second day of the Brics Summit included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Modi said, “Under India’s presidency, we have focused our efforts on four pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. I am pleased that, with your cooperation and support, we have been able to transform our shared vision into a win‑win situation.”
Ahead of the address, the leaders posed for a group photograph at Bharat Mandapam in central Delhi. Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings today with leaders of South Africa, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Egypt, Burundi, Uganda and Nigeria.
The New Delhi Declaration, adopted on Saturday, voiced deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in the Middle East and urged maximum restraint, warning against actions that could further aggravate the situation.
The declaration reaffirmed Brics’ support for a lasting two‑state solution to the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict, called for stronger international institutional backing for Palestine, and reiterated Israel’s legal obligation to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.
It also demanded an immediate end to unilateral economic sanctions and expressed alarm over rising protectionist measures, cautioning that arbitrary tariff increases and “green‑labelled” trade barriers are disrupting global supply chains and harming emerging economies.
