New Delhi, Sep 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday, ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, with discussions focusing on strengthening cooperation across several key areas, including defence, trade, digital technologies and semiconductors.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in New Delhi on Friday to participate in the two-day BRICS Summit being hosted by India on September 12 and 13. He was warmly received at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh.
Welcoming the Malaysian leader, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India and Malaysia share close and longstanding relations, with cooperation expanding across multiple sectors.
"India and Malaysia share close and longstanding ties, marked by growing cooperation across trade, investment, digital economy, defence and security. The visit builds on the momentum of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Malaysia earlier this year," the MEA said in a post on X.
The bilateral meeting between Modi and Anwar provided an opportunity for the two leaders to review the progress of India-Malaysia relations and explore avenues for further cooperation. Defence and security, trade and investment, digital technologies and semiconductors were among the areas discussed.
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit as the grouping's chair in 2026. The summit in New Delhi is bringing together leaders of BRICS member countries, partner nations and outreach invitees for discussions on strengthening cooperation and addressing major global and regional issues.
The BRICS grouping currently comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
Its partner countries include Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Ahead of his visit, Anwar said he and his delegation had departed for New Delhi to attend the BRICS Leaders' Summit. He also outlined a series of bilateral meetings planned during his visit.
"I and the Malaysian delegation departed for New Delhi, India, to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit. I am also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of India, the President of Russia, Iran, and Kazakhstan, as well as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia," Anwar posted on X.
As part of his India itinerary, the Malaysian Prime Minister is also scheduled to travel to Kerala to meet the Grand Mufti of India. He said the meeting would provide an opportunity to exchange views on community development, education and religious affairs.
Following his India engagements, Anwar is scheduled to travel to the Maldives for an official visit at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.
He expressed hope that his visit would strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation and bring tangible benefits to the people of Malaysia and partner countries.
