Modi discusses defence, economic ties with Malaysian, Ethiopian counterparts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met his Malaysian and Ethiopian counterparts, Anwar Ibrahim and Abiy Ahmed Ali, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. Officials said the meetings marked a new trajectory in India's ties with both countries, with Malaysia and Ethiopia showing interest in strengthening defence cooperation with India.
The discussions included joint personnel training and defence procurement from India, according to officials. Both Malaysia and Ethiopia also welcomed Indian industry and investment.
Ethiopia expressed interest in welcoming Indian mining companies, while discussions with Malaysia included opportunities in the semiconductor industry, a source said. Malaysia also agreed to the establishment of a new Indian consulate in the country.
According to an official readout, Modi and Ibrahim reviewed the outcomes of Modi's visit to Malaysia in February and took stock of progress in bilateral cooperation across several areas. These included trade and investment, defence and security, semiconductors, infrastructure, digital economy, energy, fintech, education, tourism and people-to-people ties.
Ibrahim conveyed Malaysia's concurrence to the establishment of a consulate general of India in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
"PM Modi appreciated Malaysia's continued support in strengthening Asean-India relations. The leaders exchanged views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest. They expressed their continued commitment to advancing the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," said the Indian readout.
During his meeting with the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Modi discussed with him ways to further strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership. The two leaders reviewed progress in areas including economic cooperation, defence and security partnership, and capacity building.
The meeting also built on Modi's visit to Addis Ababa in December 2025, according to an Indian readout. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in multilateral forums, officials said.
"PM Narendra Modi noted that (Ethiopia's) presence helped in reinforcing the collective voice of the Global South," said the readout.
