Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warned against the “weaponisation of technology and critical minerals” as BRICS leaders gathered at Bharat Mandapam for the second day of the summit in New Delhi.
Addressing the BRICS session, Modi said India’s presidency had focused on four pillars — resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability — and that the grouping had turned its shared vision into “win-win collaboration”.
Modi pushes AI, digital agriculture
Modi highlighted the proposed BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture, which will use artificial intelligence, geospatial technology and digital public infrastructure to address the needs of farmers.
He also backed stronger support for innovation through the BRICS Incubator Network, which will connect startups and incubators. A proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund is aimed at supporting innovative and scalable solutions.
Modi cautioned that the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals could hinder shared global progress and stressed the need to ensure that technological development remains inclusive.
New disaster management guidelines
The Prime Minister said BRICS countries had reached a consensus on Early Warning Data Integration Guidelines for disaster management.
He said the growing impact of pandemics, climate-related disasters and supply-chain disruptions showed that no crisis remains confined to one region in an interconnected world.
Modi said BRICS must identify challenges early, remain prepared and respond quickly to emerging crises.
Early warning system for infectious diseases
India also announced a consensus on a BRICS Integrated Early Warning System aimed at strengthening prevention and response to infectious diseases.
The initiative is intended to improve preparedness and cooperation among member countries in dealing with potential health emergencies.
Global South confidence in BRICS has increased
Modi said confidence in BRICS among countries of the Global South had increased, with the grouping seeking to strengthen cooperation across areas including technology, innovation, agriculture, logistics and sustainability.
The second day of the summit began with leaders arriving at Bharat Mandapam and posing for a family photograph before the main session on “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
