PM Modi Urges BRICS Countries to Secure Critical Mineral Supply Chains

BRICS countries must work together to secure supply chains for critical minerals and ensure no country uses these resources as a weapon against others, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the annual summit.

In his address at a session on multilateralism, financial matters and artificial intelligence on Sunday, Modi also called for creation of global standards for the use of AI to maintain transparency and prevent misuse.

The prime minister's comments come amid concerns over Chinese restrictions on the export of these vital resources, called rare earths, as well as its opaque policy approach in the sector.

\"We need to work together to make supply chains for critical minerals and technology secure and reliable. It's important to ensure that no country uses these resources for its own selfish gain or as a weapon against others,\" Modi said.

Critical minerals such as lithium, nickel and graphite are considered vital for high-end technology products including electric vehicles, drones, and battery storage. China has been a dominant player in the critical minerals supply chain globally.

On artificial intelligence, Modi said it can greatly improve everyday life but also raises concerns about risks, ethics and bias.

The prime minister announced that India will organise the AI Impact Summit next year.

\"We believe that resolving concerns and encouraging innovation should be given equal importance in AI governance. We must work together for responsible AI,\" Modi said.

\"Global standards must be created that can verify the authenticity of digital content, so that we can identify the source of the content and maintain transparency and prevent misuse,\" he said.

The prime minister also proposed creation of a BRICS Science and Research Repository, which could also serve as a valuable resource for the countries of the Global South.

While speaking at another session on 'Environment, COP-30 and Global Health', he said, \"We have to take along all those countries which are facing food, fuel, fertilizer and financial crises due to various stresses.\" \"The confidence that developed countries have about the future, the same self-confidence should be there in these countries as well. With any kind of double standards, sustainable and inclusive development of humanity is not possible.\"

\"Under India's BRICS chairmanship, we will work on redefining BRICS. BRICS will mean — Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability,\" he said.

Modi met Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora and discussed ways to bolster cooperation in areas such as critical minerals, trade and investment, healthcare and space, among others. He also met President Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay on the sidelines of the BRICS summit and discussed ways to boost cooperation in areas such as trade, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, technology and defence.

According to the source: The Indian Express.