PM Modi Warns Against Technology Weaponisation at BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered closing remarks at the 18th BRICS Summit on Sunday, emphasizing the need for cooperation and practical solutions to address emerging global challenges.

Modi warned against the 'weaponisation of technology and critical minerals', which he believes could undermine collective progress. He stressed the importance of inclusive growth, stronger supply chains, and a greater focus on the Global South.

The Prime Minister's remarks were made in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, as BRICS leaders discussed ways to make the grouping more resilient amid geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global supply chains. Modi did not name any specific country in his remarks.

During India's BRICS presidency, Modi said New Delhi had focused on four pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. He stated that the support of member countries had helped transform the grouping's shared vision into a 'win-win collaboration', with BRICS increasingly becoming a platform where the concerns and experiences of the Global South are heard and reflected in solutions.

Modi highlighted the need for BRICS to prepare for crises that increasingly cross national boundaries, including geopolitical conflicts, pandemics, climate disasters, and supply-chain disruptions. He mentioned several initiatives, such as an integrated BRICS early-warning system for infectious diseases and the BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of innovation, highlighting the BRICS Incubator Network, which will connect startups and incubators across member countries. He proposed a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund to support innovative and scalable solutions.

Additionally, Modi highlighted the BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture, stating that AI, geospatial technology, and digital public infrastructure could be aligned with the practical needs of farmers.

Modi concluded by saying that BRICS cooperation should extend beyond governments to entrepreneurs, startups, and people, in order to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

The BRICS Summit is a significant platform for emerging economies to discuss and address global challenges. The summit's focus on cooperation, innovation, and sustainability reflects the growing importance of the Global South in international relations.

As the world faces increasing geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global supply chains, the BRICS grouping is likely to play a crucial role in promoting economic cooperation and development among its member countries.

In the coming years, it will be essential to monitor the progress of the initiatives announced at the BRICS Summit and assess their impact on the global economy and the lives of people in the Global South.

The success of the BRICS Summit will depend on the ability of its member countries to work together and create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.

The Prime Minister's emphasis on inclusive growth, stronger supply chains, and a greater focus on the Global South reflects India's commitment to promoting economic cooperation and development among emerging economies.

The BRICS Summit has provided a platform for India to showcase its leadership and commitment to global cooperation, and it is likely to have a significant impact on the country's foreign policy and economic development in the coming years.

In conclusion, the 18th BRICS Summit has highlighted the importance of cooperation, innovation, and sustainability in addressing global challenges. The summit's focus on the Global South and its emphasis on inclusive growth reflect the growing importance of emerging economies in international relations.

The success of the BRICS Summit will depend on the ability of its member countries to work together and create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. The Prime Minister's remarks have emphasized the need for cooperation and practical solutions to address emerging global challenges, and it is likely that the BRICS grouping will play a crucial role in promoting economic cooperation and development among its member countries in the coming years.