PM Modi Laughs as Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim Jokes About His Popularity
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim joked about Narendra Modi’s popularity during their BRICS Summit meeting, prompting the Indian Prime Minister to laugh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a light-hearted moment with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during their meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. Ibrahim joked about Modi’s popularity, saying he had received numerous messages asking him to convey greetings to the Indian Prime Minister. The comment prompted Modi to laugh.
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between India and Malaysia across several areas, including trade, investment, defence, energy and technology. Their talks followed Modi’s visit to Malaysia in February 2026.
According to India’s External Affairs Ministry, the leaders reviewed progress in sectors such as semiconductors, infrastructure, digital economy, fintech, education, tourism and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
The meeting took place as several world leaders gathered in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other leaders are attending the event, along with senior representatives of international organisations.
BRICS has expanded significantly in recent years, adding countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Malaysia is among the countries that joined the grouping as a partner nation.
