As escalating geopolitical conflicts continue to squeeze ordinary citizens worldwide, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on BRICS nations to counter these pressures through inclusive growth and deeper economic cooperation. Speaking at the concluding session of the two-day, India-hosted summit, Modi cautioned member states against the "weaponisation of technology and critical minerals," noting that such tactics threaten shared global prosperity.
The annual gathering of the 11-member bloc—which accounts for nearly 49.5 per cent of the global population and 40 per cent of world GDP—brought together key international figures, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Modi pointed out that developing nations across the Global South increasingly view BRICS as a trustworthy partner because solutions are built together rather than forced upon them.
Addressing Fractured Geopolitics and Supply Shocks
Highlighting the delicate global environment, the prime minister noted that compounding crises—from geopolitical tensions and supply-chain shocks to climate disasters and pandemics—no longer remain isolated to single regions. He stressed that early identification of challenges and swift joint action are essential to protect vulnerable populations.
His warnings regarding technology and critical minerals carry added weight given ongoing international friction over export restrictions and withheld high-tech transfers. Modi urged the grouping to champion inclusivity in tech adoption rather than turning vital resources into strategic leverage.
Key Outcomes Across New Delhi's Four Pillars
India’s chairship of the summit revolved around four central pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. To turn this vision into tangible results, member nations finalized several joint mechanisms across health, trade, technology, and energy:
- Resilience: Established a BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for infectious disease control, alongside new guidelines for disaster management data integration and a framework for logistics supply chains.
- Innovation: Launched the BRICS Incubator Network and proposed the Startup Innovation Fund. Additionally, the BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture will integrate AI, geospatial tools, and Digital Public Infrastructure to assist farmers.
- Cooperation: Rolled out BRICS CONNECT to boost workforce skills and social security, launched the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal for small businesses, and set up an Urban Mobility Hub to share urban planning solutions.
- Sustainability: Founded the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage to build reliable, accessible clean energy systems.
Engaging Citizens Beyond Official Channels
Modi emphasized that India sought to ensure BRICS initiatives reach well beyond official government channels. The goal, he said, is to directly involve entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, women, and youth in the bloc's economic activities.
Reflecting on Indian civilisational values, the prime minister remarked that nature has long been honored as a mother, asserting that environmental protection and economic development must progress side by side to safeguard future generations.