On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in significant bilateral discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Both Malaysia and Ethiopia conveyed a strong desire to enhance their defense cooperation with India, highlighting potential collaborations in joint personnel training and defense procurement.
Deepening India-Malaysia Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim, acknowledging Malaysia's participation as a Partner Country in the BRICS Summit. The leaders reviewed the outcomes of PM Modi's visit to Malaysia in February 2026, taking stock of progress across various sectors. Discussions spanned trade and investment, defense and security, semiconductors, infrastructure, the digital economy, energy, fintech, education, tourism, and people-to-people connections. Modi also recognized Malaysia's consistent support in strengthening ASEAN-India relations. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on key regional and global issues.
Strengthening India-Ethiopia Bilateral Ties
In a separate meeting, PM Modi met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The discussions centered on strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Ethiopia, building on PM Modi's visit to Addis Ababa in December 2025. The leaders explored avenues to enhance their strategic partnership, reviewing progress in critical areas such as economic cooperation, defense and security, and capacity building. Ethiopia specifically welcomed Indian mining companies, signaling opportunities for Indian industry and investments in the East African nation.
Economic and Strategic Implications
Beyond defense, both nations expressed openness to broader Indian industrial engagement. Malaysia discussed opportunities in the semiconductor sector, while Ethiopia emphasized its interest in Indian mining companies. These bilateral engagements underscore India's growing strategic and economic influence, particularly in strengthening partnerships within the Global South. Prime Minister Modi noted that Ethiopia's presence helps reinforce the collective voice of the Global South, emphasizing mutual cooperation in multilateral forums.