Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong warning on Sunday at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, saying that growing geopolitical tensions, disruptions to global supply chains and climate-related crises are increasingly affecting people around the world.

Addressing leaders of the expanded BRICS group, Modi called for stronger cooperation among countries of the Global South and warned that the international community cannot achieve sustainable development while facing growing instability and fragmentation.

The Indian leader also highlighted what he described as the “weaponization of technology and critical minerals”, warning that competition over strategic resources and advanced technologies could undermine global development and shared prosperity.

His remarks come as the world economy faces increasing pressure from geopolitical conflicts, trade tensions and disruptions affecting energy, food and industrial supply chains. Critical minerals have become particularly important as major economies compete for resources needed for semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, batteries and advanced technologies.

The BRICS summit is taking place against the backdrop of multiple international conflicts and a rapidly changing global economic landscape. Leaders and senior representatives from the expanded group are discussing trade, investment, development, technology, energy security and international cooperation.

BRICS was originally established in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining later. The grouping has since expanded to 11 full members, representing a significant portion of the world's population and global economic output.

The bloc has increasingly sought a greater role for emerging and developing economies in international institutions and global decision-making. Its members have also discussed strengthening trade in national currencies, financial cooperation and mechanisms that could reduce dependence on traditional Western-dominated financial structures.

The geopolitical dimension of the summit has also been prominent. The meeting brings together Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, among other leaders and representatives.

The BRICS countries have expressed concern over conflicts in the Middle East and called for diplomacy and restraint as regional tensions continue to affect international security, energy markets and global trade.

China has also pushed for deeper economic and technological cooperation within the expanded BRICS framework. Beijing has promoted initiatives involving artificial intelligence, industrial cooperation and more resilient global supply chains, reflecting the group's broader ambition to become an important force in the emerging global economic order.

The summit has also provided an opportunity for India and China to strengthen dialogue after years of tensions, particularly over their disputed border. Modi and Xi have signaled a desire for more stable relations and greater economic cooperation between the two Asian powers.

For India, hosting the BRICS summit represents an opportunity to reinforce its position as a major voice of the Global South. Modi's message reflects New Delhi's effort to present BRICS not only as an economic grouping, but also as a platform capable of addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.

From geopolitical conflicts and climate change to artificial intelligence, critical minerals, trade and supply chains, the issues discussed in New Delhi demonstrate how closely economic stability is now linked to global security.

As BRICS continues to expand its membership and influence, the summit underscores a broader transformation of the international system, with emerging powers demanding a greater role in shaping the rules of global politics and the world economy.