Modi Warns Technology and Minerals Are Becoming Geopolitical Weapons

Modi warned BRICS that technology and critical minerals are increasingly weaponised, threatening economic security, strategic autonomy, and global supply chains.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned that technology and access to critical minerals are increasingly being used as instruments of geopolitical pressure, highlighting a growing challenge for countries seeking greater economic and strategic autonomy. Speaking at the 18th BRICS Summit, Modi pointed to the changing nature of global competition, where control over technological capabilities, essential resources and supply chains can translate into significant strategic leverage. The warning comes as governments increasingly recognise that technologies once treated primarily as commercial assets are now closely linked to national security. Semiconductors, artificial intelligence systems, advanced telecommunications, batteries, renewable-energy technologies and sophisticated defence equipment all depend on access to specialised knowledge, manufacturing capabilities and, in many cases, a relatively concentrated group of critical minerals. This concentration has created vulnerabilities for countries that rely heavily on external suppliers. Disruptions caused by geopolitical disputes, export restrictions, sanctions or deliberate supply-chain policies can have consequences far beyond traditional trade relationships. For BRICS countries, the issue is particularly significant because many members possess either substantial natural resources, large industrial bases, important consumer markets or rapidly expanding technological capabilities. Modi's remarks therefore place resource security and technological access within the broader discussion about restructuring the global economic order.

The concern over critical minerals has intensified internationally because minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare-earth elements are central to many strategic industries. Their importance is expected to increase as countries expand electric mobility, renewable power generation, energy storage, advanced electronics and defence production. Yet extraction and processing remain geographically concentrated, meaning that possessing mineral deposits does not necessarily translate into complete supply-chain independence. Processing capacity, refining technology, transportation networks and manufacturing infrastructure can be equally important. Technology presents a similar challenge. Advanced computing systems and semiconductor manufacturing require enormous investments, specialised equipment and highly developed industrial ecosystems. Countries unable to access those capabilities can face disadvantages in both economic competitiveness and strategic security. Modi's warning can therefore be interpreted as a call for BRICS members to develop more resilient supply chains, diversify sourcing and expand cooperation in research, manufacturing and resource development. Such cooperation could include greater investment in domestic processing, technology partnerships, alternative suppliers and recycling systems designed to reduce dependence on limited sources.

The issue also reflects a wider transformation in international economic relations. Globalisation previously encouraged companies to optimise production around efficiency and cost, often creating highly interconnected supply chains spanning multiple countries. Increasing geopolitical competition has encouraged governments to place greater emphasis on resilience, redundancy and national security. This shift can make production more expensive, but governments increasingly view those costs as necessary insurance against strategic disruption. For BRICS, the challenge will be translating political concern into practical cooperation without creating new dependencies inside the group itself. Members have different economic structures, technological capabilities and strategic priorities, and some are themselves major exporters of commodities or technology. Modi's warning nevertheless reinforces a central message emerging from global economic diplomacy: control over technology and essential resources can increasingly determine national power. As competition between major economies intensifies, access to critical minerals and advanced technologies is likely to remain an important factor shaping trade policy, investment decisions, industrial strategy and international alliances.