New Delhi, Sep 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called on powerful nations to refrain from weaponising technology and critical minerals, saying such practices pose serious risks to global supply chains, trade and shared development.
Addressing the open session on the second day of the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Modi said growing tensions across the world were having a direct and devastating impact on the lives of ordinary people.
Presenting India’s vision for its BRICS presidency, the Prime Minister said that in an interconnected world, a crisis in one region does not remain confined to it and its consequences are felt across the globe.
Pandemics, climate disasters, natural calamities and disruptions in supply chains can affect the global economy and people’s lives, he said.
“The world needs systems that identify risks in advance, ensure preparedness and enable swift action, rather than merely responding after a crisis occurs,” Modi said.
He stressed that strengthening cooperation among nations for global stability and sustainable development was the need of the hour.
Technology, he said, must be used in an inclusive, transparent and beneficial manner for all.
“Using advanced technology or critical mineral resources as instruments of political or economic pressure can undermine global cooperation and development,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi also announced that consensus had been reached on establishing a ‘BRICS Integrated Early Warning System’ to deal with the spread of infectious diseases.
The proposed system will facilitate timely identification of potential health threats, information sharing and joint preparedness to respond to pandemics, he said.
Emphasising the importance of quick communication and exchange of information, Modi said cooperation among countries was essential to address sudden global health emergencies.
He said an integrated early warning mechanism could make cooperation among BRICS countries more effective in tackling such challenges.
On climate change, the Prime Minister said the risk of natural disasters was increasing in different parts of the world.
Advance information, better planning and timely action could help reduce loss of life and property, he said.
Modi said disruptions in global supply chains affected not only trade but also the availability and prices of essential commodities, directly impacting the lives of ordinary citizens.
He said efforts would be made through a new framework to reduce trade barriers and ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential goods.
“BRICS is no longer merely a platform for dialogue and negotiations,” Modi said, adding that the grouping was evolving into an effective mechanism capable of delivering practical results on the ground.
He said timely identification of crises, advance preparedness and swift action were the key to ensuring stability in the prevailing global environment.
Cooperation among BRICS nations in areas such as data sharing, technology, healthcare, disaster management and supply chains could play an important role in addressing global challenges in the coming years, he said.
The Prime Minister called upon the international community to pursue cooperation in tackling common challenges despite differences among nations.
The use of technology and resources, he said, should be guided by the spirit of cooperation rather than confrontation to ensure sustainable global development, resilient supply chains and public welfare.(KNS)
