Overview
At the closing session of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 13 September 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned that the weaponisation of technology and the control of critical minerals could become new flashpoints in global politics.
Key Developments
- Modi highlighted the rising global demand for lithium‑ion batteries, nickel and cobalt as economies shift to electrification.
- He warned that the supply chain concentration of these minerals, especially in China, makes them vulnerable to geopolitical tension and trade restrictions.
- India’s heavy reliance on imports was described as a strategic risk, prompting calls for domestic mining, processing and allied research.
Important Facts
- Critical minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt are essential for electric vehicles, renewable‑energy storage and defence equipment.
- China currently processes over 70% of the world’s lithium and cobalt, giving it de‑facto control over supply.
- India imports more than 90% of its critical mineral requirements, mainly from China, Australia and Africa.
- Resource nationalism – the practice of restricting export of strategic minerals – is rising in several mineral‑rich nations.
Exam Relevance
The issue cuts across multiple GS papers. For GS3 (Economy), it illustrates how commodity dependence can affect trade balance, industrial policy and energy security. In GS1 (International Relations), the strategic dimension of mineral control reflects power dynamics and the emergence of a new “resource‑based” geopolitics. GS4 (Ethics) raises questions about equitable access to resources and responsible technology use.
Way Forward
- Formulate a national Critical Minerals Policy focusing on exploration, domestic processing and recycling.
- Strengthen diplomatic engagement with mineral‑rich countries to secure long‑term contracts and joint ventures.
- Invest in research for alternative materials and battery technologies to reduce reliance on scarce minerals.
- Develop strategic reserves and a monitoring mechanism to anticipate supply disruptions.
- Promote international cooperation within BRICS and other multilateral forums to set norms against the weaponisation of technology.