Rare Earth Dominance: Modi Pushes BRICS for Global Mineral Security.

July 8, 2025 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Modi Urges BRICS to Act on Rare Earth Dominance

Modi Targets Rare Earth Dominance at BRICS

During the BRICS Summit in Brazil on July 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised strong concerns about China’s rare earth dominance. He emphasized that these critical minerals must not become tools of geopolitical coercion. Addressing fellow leaders from Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa, Modi urged immediate action to secure global mineral supplies.

The Prime Minister warned that China’s control over nearly 90% of rare earth processing creates dangerous vulnerabilities for emerging technologies. He stressed the urgent need for strategic collaboration among BRICS nations to ensure economic and technological independence.

Rare Earth Dominance Threatens Global Growth

Rare earth dominance directly threatens global industries. These minerals fuel crucial technologies—such as electric vehicles, solar panels, smartphones, and defense systems. China’s control has led to pricing volatility, unstable supply chains, and limited options for diversification.

India, currently expanding its clean energy and tech sectors, faces considerable risk from this monopolization. Modi highlighted that allowing one nation to control such strategic resources undermines collective innovation and economic stability.

India’s Counter to Rare Earth Dominance

India has already initiated steps to counter rare earth dominance. The government approved a ₹5,000 crore initiative to mine and process critical minerals domestically. Several mineral blocks in Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Odisha have entered the exploration phase.

Additionally, India has signed bilateral mineral sourcing agreements with Australia, Namibia, and the United States. These efforts form a long-term plan to build resilient and diversified supply chains for critical inputs.

At the summit, Modi proposed a BRICS-wide “Critical Minerals Alliance.” This alliance would share mining technology, pool research, and coordinate mineral mapping across member countries.

Strategic Need for Global Resource Fairness

Modi’s concerns about rare earth dominance align with previous warnings issued during Indo-Pacific and Quad forums. In 2023, China curbed exports of gallium and germanium, causing significant disruption to the global chip market. These moves demonstrated how resource control can severely impact high-tech economies.

Modi cautioned that geopolitical control over natural resources could soon become a new form of silent warfare. He called for international frameworks that ensure transparency in mineral sourcing and discourage export manipulation.

India Pushes for AI-Mineral Linkage

Beyond minerals, Modi focused on the link between resource availability and AI growth. He proposed the creation of a BRICS Artificial Intelligence Consortium. This consortium would promote open-source platforms, ethical development standards, and access to low-cost computing infrastructure.

He underlined that future technological sovereignty depends on mineral security. Without reliable access to lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, countries cannot develop competitive AI systems. Modi suggested that BRICS meet quarterly to align on tech and mineral strategies.

Rare Earth Dominance Must End

The Prime Minister reiterated that rare earth dominance must not shape the future of global innovation. He urged democratic economies to act before monopoly becomes irreversible. His call was supported by Brazil and South Africa, who also face similar supply risks.

India further recommended setting up a BRICS Mineral Oversight Taskforce. This body would verify ethical mining practices, prevent illegal extraction, and ensure price predictability for importing countries.

India’s Leadership on Mineral Security

Prime Minister Modi’s rare earth dominance speech at the BRICS Summit marked a pivotal moment in India’s global economic diplomacy. By championing secure and fair mineral access, India positioned itself as a leader in reforming the global resource economy.

The government’s strategy includes self-reliance, regional alliances, and institutional oversight. With China’s grip tightening on rare earths, BRICS must now choose between complacency or collective action. India has made its stance clear—it’s time for the world to follow.

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