PM Modi Meets Malaysian, Ethiopian Leaders In Bilateral Talks On BRICS Summit Sidelines

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held separate bilateral meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, with the discussions focusing on strengthening strategic partnerships and expanding cooperation across defence, investment, technology and other key sectors. Modi and Anwar reviewed progress in India-Malaysia relations following the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Malaysia in February 2026. Their discussions covered a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, semiconductors, infrastructure, the digital economy, energy, fintech, education, tourism and people-to-people ties.

The talks reflected the growing breadth of the bilateral relationship, with both sides seeking to deepen cooperation in traditional as well as emerging areas of mutual interest. A significant outcome of the meeting was Malaysia’s concurrence to the establishment of an Indian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The proposed consulate is expected to strengthen India’s diplomatic and consular outreach in the region and provide greater support to Indian citizens and interests in Sabah. The External Affairs Ministry said Modi warmly welcomed Anwar to India and appreciated Malaysia’s participation in the BRICS Leaders’ Summit as a Partner Country at India’s invitation.

Semiconductor cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions between the two leaders, with government sources highlighting opportunities in the sector. The focus reflects the increasing importance of resilient technology and supply chains to both countries. Modi and Anwar also exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Modi appreciated Malaysia’s continued support for stronger ASEAN-India relations, an important component of India’s wider engagement with Southeast Asia.

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During his India visit, Anwar is also expected to meet Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and Grand Mufti of India Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad. The meetings are expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on community development, education and interfaith harmony. Malaysia’s participation in the BRICS summit as a partner country has added another dimension to the visit, allowing the two sides to discuss bilateral priorities alongside broader regional and international issues. India and Malaysia have expanded their engagement considerably in recent years, with bilateral relations elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.

During Modi’s February 2026 visit to Malaysia, the two sides discussed political engagement, defence and security cooperation, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, the digital economy, science and technology, energy, agriculture, health, education, culture and tourism. The latest meeting in New Delhi builds on that engagement, with semiconductors, investment, defence and diplomatic outreach emerging as important areas for further cooperation. Modi’s separate meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also formed part of his bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, underscoring India’s effort to strengthen ties with partner countries across regions through high-level discussions.

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