Background
BRICS has evolved into an important platform representing major emerging economies and the broader Global South.
Modern economies are increasingly dependent on critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements for batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy and defence technologies.
Concentration of mineral extraction, processing and advanced technologies in a few countries creates strategic vulnerabilities.
Similarly, pandemics, climate disasters, wars and geopolitical tensions have exposed weaknesses in global supply chains.
Against this backdrop, India has emphasised making BRICS more outcome-oriented, resilient and inclusive.
Key features
BRICS Integrated Early Warning System
Intended to improve prevention and response to infectious diseases.
Encourages timely sharing and integration of health-related data.
Early Warning Data Integration Guidelines
Strengthen disaster-management preparedness.
Aims to facilitate faster response to climate and other disasters.
BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework
Seeks more reliable and resilient supply chains.
Particularly relevant amid geopolitical disruptions and trade restrictions.
BRICS Startup Innovation Fund & Incubator Network
Promotes cooperation between startups and incubators.
Encourages scalable technological solutions.
BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture
Integrates AI, geospatial technology and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with agricultural needs.
Can improve productivity, resource efficiency and farmers' access to services.
BRICS CONNECT
Focuses on skills, employability, women's participation in the workforce, social security and capacity building.
MSME Cooperation Portal
Intended to connect small businesses with knowledge, finance and markets.
Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage
Supports more reliable and efficient clean-energy systems.
Challenges
Geopolitical rivalries: Differences among BRICS members can make consensus and implementation difficult.
Technology divide: Unequal technological capabilities may prevent smaller or developing members from benefiting equally.
Critical-mineral dependence: Processing and refining capacity is concentrated in a limited number of countries.
Implementation deficit: BRICS has often been criticised for producing declarations without sufficient implementation mechanisms.
Data and cybersecurity concerns: Greater digital cooperation requires compatible standards, data protection and cyber resilience.
Financial constraints: Startups, MSMEs, climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure require substantial investment.
Competing national interests: Members may cooperate economically while simultaneously competing strategically.
Way forward
Move from “ideas and commitments” to measurable deliverables, with timelines and accountability.
Build diversified and transparent critical-mineral supply chains, including recycling and alternative technologies.
Increase cooperation in technology transfer, R&D, AI and digital public infrastructure while ensuring equitable access.
Establish interoperable early-warning and disaster-response mechanisms across BRICS.
Strengthen cooperation among startups, MSMEs, universities and research institutions.
Develop common standards for data governance, cybersecurity and responsible AI.
Expand financing for climate resilience, clean energy and sustainable agriculture.
Give greater representation to the Global South in global economic and technological governance.
Conclusion
The concern regarding weaponisation of technology and critical minerals highlights the changing dynamics in international relations where economic interdependence itself is becoming an instrument of power and vulnerability. BRICS will be able to act in response to these concerns only by transforming cooperation into concrete results like diversified supply chains, robust infrastructure, technology sharing, and more sophisticated early-warning systems.
