NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate bilateral meetings with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in New Delhi on Saturday, with India seeking to deepen cooperation with both countries in defence, investment and emerging sectors.Sources said the talks with Ethiopia and Malaysia marked a new trajectory in India’s relations with the two countries. Both expressed interest in strengthening defence cooperation with India, including joint personnel training and defence procurement, the sources said.The two countries also welcomed greater participation by Indian industry and investment. Ethiopia, in particular, expressed interest in Indian mining companies, while discussions with Malaysia covered opportunities in the semiconductor sector, according to the sources.PM Modi met Anwar on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, where Malaysia is participating as a BRICS partner country at India’s invitation. The Malaysian prime minister is scheduled to deliver a national statement on “Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth” at the summit.According to Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, the country is expected to push for stronger cooperation among BRICS members and partner countries on development challenges, economic opportunities and ensuring more inclusive access to technological advances and innovation.Anwar is also scheduled to visit Kerala, with the visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in areas including trade and investment, the digital economy, talent and labour, education and regional connectivity.
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PM Modi also met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at Hyderabad House. Ethiopia joined BRICS as a full member in January 2024, alongside Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.The latest talks build on growing India-Ethiopia defence engagement. Earlier this month, officials from the two countries discussed ways to expand cooperation in military training, defence industry collaboration and UN peacekeeping. The discussions also covered new and emerging areas of defence cooperation.The ministry of defence had said after the meeting between Ethiopian Charge d’Affaires Nebiyu Tedla and Defence Ministry Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad that the two sides discussed “avenues to further strengthen India-Ethiopia defence cooperation, including training, defence industry collaboration and UN Peacekeeping, with focus on new and emerging areas.”
