Xi present, PM Modi says weaponisation of critical minerals hurdle to growth

China dominates the global supply chains of critical minerals and rare earths. Thus, PM Modi's pointed remarks, made in the presence of Xi Jinping, are being seen as a message to China.PM Modi at Bharat MandapamPutting inclusivity at the centre of his closing remarks at the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday cautioned against the "weaponisation" of technology and critical minerals, saying such measures could create "hurdles" to common growth. The pointed remarks, made in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, are being seen as a message to Beijing, which dominates the global supply chains of critical minerals and rare earths."The weaponisation of technology and critical minerals can hinder our shared progress. Therefore, we have emphasised inclusivity in the adoption of technology," PM Modi said at the BRICS session on 'Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.Last year, China tightened export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing amid a trade war with the US. It has, however, eased some of those restrictions. China processes around 90% of the world's rare earths, which go into everything from solar panels to smartphones.- EndsPublished By: Devika BhattacharyaPublished On: Sep 13, 2026 11:13 IST