Modi Holds Bilateral Talks With Malaysia, Ethiopia on BRICS Summit Sidelines
PM Modi met Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim and Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate bilateral meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday.
Malaysia is taking part in the Leaders' Summit as a BRICS Partner Country, having been invited by Prime Minister Modi.
India-Malaysia talks
During the Modi-Ibrahim meeting, the two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, semiconductors, infrastructure, the digital economy, energy, fintech, education, tourism and people-to-people ties. The discussions built on Prime Minister Modi's visit to Malaysia in February 2026.
The leaders also exchanged views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest.
As a BRICS Partner Country, Malaysia is able to engage in deliberations on global governance, economic cooperation and development challenges. Such cooperation is seen as a means to strengthen supply chain security and development-chain resilience, helping countries in the Global South move towards more self-reliant economies.
Ibrahim is scheduled to deliver a National Statement at the Summit on the theme of shaping the future for inclusive global growth. According to Malaysia's Foreign Ministry, the Summit is the highest-level BRICS platform, bringing together Heads of State and Government of member and partner countries to discuss global governance, sustainable development, economic cooperation, trade and investment, digital transformation, and challenges affecting developing nations.
Malaysia is expected to press for closer cooperation among BRICS member and partner countries on development challenges, expanded economic opportunities, and more inclusive access to the benefits of technological advancement and innovation.
After the Summit, Ibrahim will travel to Keralam to further strengthen bilateral ties and explore collaboration in trade and investment, the digital economy, talent and labour, education, and regional connectivity. He is scheduled to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan and the Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, for exchanges on community development, educational advancement and interfaith harmony.
India and Malaysia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024. During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Malaysia in February 2026, 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.
Meeting with Ethiopia's PM
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi met Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, also on the sidelines of the Summit, which is being held under India's chairship.
The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen their bilateral Strategic Partnership and reviewed progress in key sectors, including economic cooperation, the defence and security partnership, and capacity building. The meeting followed Prime Minister Modi's visit to Addis Ababa in December 2025.