No country should 'weaponise' critical resources: PM Modi at Brics Summit

At Brics Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warns against 'weaponising' critical resources, calls for resilient supply chains, responsible AI, and support for 'Global South'

In a veiled reference to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, July 6, said that critical resources must not be used "solely for the interests of any one country". The Prime Minister made these remarks at the plenary session of the Brics Summit, which also includes China.

 

Speaking on the theme ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence’, PM Modi underlined the need for fair, transparent, and resilient global supply chains and cautioned against the weaponisation of essential materials and technologies. “It must also be ensured that no country uses these resources solely for its own interests or as a weapon,” PM Modi said.

 

 

The Prime Minister's remark comes amid growing global concerns over China’s strategic dominance in critical minerals and rare earth elements.     

China tightens grip on rare earths

 

Rare earth minerals are getting global attention as China uses its strong position in this sector during its trade tensions with the United States. These minerals include 17 elements that are important for making high-tech products like smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and military gear. Even though they are found in the Earth’s crust, they are not often found in large amounts, which makes mining and processing them difficult and expensive.

 

China currently handles about 90 per cent of the world's rare earth mining and refining. This gives it major control over global supply. Recently, in response to US trade penalties, China added seven rare earth minerals to its export control list. This means it has limited how much of these minerals it will send to other countries, especially the US.    

 

  India has the fifth-largest rare earth reserves in the world, but it does not have the facilities to process them or make magnets from them. Because of this, India still depends a lot on imports — mostly from China. Between April 2024 and March 2025, India imported 53,748 metric tonnes of rare earth magnets, which are essential for industries like cars, electronics, and clean energy.

 

India, Argentina eye strong cooperation

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Argentine President Javier Milei on Saturday to explore deeper cooperation in the fields of energy and critical minerals. PM Modi highlighted India’s increasing energy demands and industrial growth, noting that Argentina could be a dependable partner in meeting these needs.

 

Following the talks, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) P Kumaran said Argentina’s vast mineral wealth — including lithium, copper, and rare earth elements — closely matches India’s goals for clean energy and industrial development. 

 

  Just days earlier, in Washington DC, foreign ministers from the Quad — comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia — announced the launch of the Quad Critical Minerals Partnership. While the statement did not name China directly, it expressed serious concern over sudden disruptions and the uncertain future of essential mineral supply chains.  

PM Modi's agenda at Brics Summit 

  PM Modi outlined his four-point agenda to enhance cooperation, especially for the Global South. He stressed on strengthening internal governance: “First, [I] emphasised on improving our own systems so that our credibility is boosted when we call for reformed multilateralism.” He urged the Brics New Development Bank to adopt demand-driven decisions and maintain financial stability. He highlighted the Brics Agricultural Research Platform and proposed a Science and Research Repository. 

 

Addressed the BRICS Summit Plenary session on ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Affairs, and Artificial Intelligence.’ Focused on how to make the BRICS platform even more effective in this increasingly multipolar world. Also gave a few suggestions which are… pic.twitter.com/zRqyEa9q2v

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 7, 2025

 PM Modi called for global cooperation in developing responsible AI. “In AI governance, addressing concerns and encouraging innovation should both receive equal priority,” he said.

 

Brics backs India’s bid to host COP33 in 2028

 

The Brics nations have extended their support to India’s proposal to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties (COP33) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2028, news agency ANI reported.

 

The announcement came as part of a joint declaration issued at the 17th Brics Summit held on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The leaders collectively reaffirmed their commitment to the goals and objectives of the Paris Agreement, emphasising the importance of staying united in the global fight against climate change. 

 

Brazil officially assumed the Brics Chairship on January 1, 2025.  (With agency inputs)