Defence, Semiconductors and Mining: What PM Modi Discussed With Malaysia, Ethiopia
PM Modi held separate meetings with Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim and Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed, focusing on defence, semiconductors, mining, trade and investment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate bilateral meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Discussions focused on expanding defence, trade, investment and strategic cooperation with both countries.
Malaysia and Ethiopia expressed interest in deeper defence ties with India, including personnel training and defence procurement. Ethiopia also welcomed greater Indian investment, particularly in the mining sector, while talks with Malaysia explored opportunities in semiconductors.
During his meeting with Ibrahim, Modi reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, defence and security, infrastructure, digital economy, energy, fintech, education, tourism and people-to-people ties. The two leaders also discussed critical minerals, clean energy and talent mobility.
Modi described India and Malaysia as maritime neighbours and close partners, highlighting the growing defence relationship and two-way investments. Ibrahim’s visit builds on Modi’s trip to Malaysia in February 2026.
With Abiy Ahmed, Modi discussed strengthening the India-Ethiopia Strategic Partnership across economic, defence and security areas. The two leaders also focused on capacity building, critical minerals, clean energy, healthcare and investment, while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening India-Africa cooperation and amplifying the voice of the Global South.
The bilateral meetings took place as India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit, with global leaders discussing economic cooperation, trade, development and global governance.
