New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate bilateral meetings with Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim in New Delhi on Saturday, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit.
The discussions with Ethiopia focused on strengthening the two countries’ Strategic Partnership, with economic cooperation, defence and security, and capacity building emerging as key areas.
Modi meets Ethiopia PM
Government sources said Ethiopia expressed interest in expanding defence cooperation with India, including joint personnel training and defence procurement. Addis Ababa also welcomed greater participation by Indian companies and investment, particularly in the mining sector.
The meeting also followed PM Modi’s visit to Addis Ababa in December 2025. The two leaders discussed regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to working closely at multilateral forums.
India, Malaysia expand cooperation
PM Modi also met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to review progress in bilateral ties. The talks covered defence and security, trade and investment, semiconductors, infrastructure, digital economy, energy, fintech, education and tourism.
Government sources said semiconductor opportunities were discussed during the meeting, while Malaysia also expressed interest in stronger defence cooperation, including training and procurement from India.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The leaders exchanged views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest.”
Ibrahim is attending the BRICS Summit as a Partner Country at PM Modi’s invitation. Malaysia is expected to highlight the need for greater cooperation among BRICS members and partner countries to address development challenges and expand economic opportunities.
This comes after PM Modi’s visit to Malaysia in February 2026, when the two leaders discussed cooperation across defence, maritime security, trade, technology, energy, education, health and tourism.
India and Malaysia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.
Ibrahim is also scheduled to travel to Kerala, where he will hold meetings focused on trade, investment, digital economy, education, talent, labour and regional connectivity.
The two bilateral meetings underline India’s push to expand strategic and economic partnerships with key countries while strengthening its engagement with the Global South through the BRICS platform.
