The national capital of India, Delhi, has become the center of global diplomatic activity as it hosts the 18th BRICS Summit. With the eyes of the world fixed on India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been engaging in a series of high-level bilateral meetings to strengthen international ties. On Saturday, 12 September, the Prime Minister held intensive discussions with the leaders of three key nations: Malaysia, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. These meetings, conducted on the sidelines of the summit, aimed at deepening cooperation across various sectors including trade, defense, and strategic partnerships.
Strengthening Ties with Malaysia
One of the most significant meetings of the day was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia is participating in this 18th BRICS Summit as a partner country, following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi. During their interaction, PM Modi extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Ibrahim and expressed his appreciation for Malaysia's active participation as a partner nation in the BRICS framework. The two leaders took the opportunity to review the progress made in bilateral relations since Prime Minister Modi's visit to Malaysia in February 2026. They assessed the outcomes of that visit and expressed satisfaction with the advancements in several critical areas of cooperation.
The discussions between India and Malaysia covered a wide spectrum of sectors, while these included trade and investment, which form the backbone of the economic relationship, as well as defense and security cooperation. The leaders also delved into modern technological fields such as semiconductors and the digital economy. Other areas of focus included infrastructure development, energy, fintech, education, and tourism. A major highlight of the meeting was the emphasis on enhancing people-to-people ties, which serve as the foundation of the cultural connection between the two nations. In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim conveyed Malaysia's agreement to the opening of a Consulate General of India in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, a step that's expected to further facilitate diplomatic and commercial exchanges.
Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to thank Malaysia for its consistent support in strengthening the ASEAN-India relationship. The two leaders exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights.
Deepening Cooperation with Ethiopia
In another important bilateral engagement, Prime Minister Modi met with Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The meeting provided a platform for both leaders to discuss ways to further solidify the historical and friendly relations between India and Ethiopia. They conducted a detailed review of the progress achieved in key sectors such as economic cooperation, defense and security partnerships, and capacity building. This dialogue was a continuation of the discussions held during Prime Minister Modi's historic visit to Addis Ababa in December 2025.
The two leaders shared their perspectives on regional and international developments that impact both nations. They reiterated their commitment to working closely together in various multilateral forums, while prime Minister Modi specifically lauded Ethiopia's participation in the 18th BRICS Summit, noting that Ethiopia's presence Importantly contributes to strengthening the collective voice of the Global South. The discussion underscored the importance of capacity building and mutual support in international diplomacy.
Strategic Partnership with the UAE
The Prime Minister's diplomatic schedule also included a bilateral meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This meeting, held during the 18th BRICS Summit, focused on the solid and growing relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates. Both leaders discussed steps to further enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that exists between the two countries. The meeting highlighted the strategic importance of the UAE as a key partner for India in the Middle East and the broader global context. The discussions aimed at exploring new avenues for cooperation and ensuring the continued growth of the bilateral bond.
The series of meetings held by Prime Minister Modi in Delhi reflects India's proactive approach to global diplomacy and its commitment to fostering strong relationships with diverse nations, while as the 18th BRICS Summit continues, these bilateral interactions serve as a testament to India's growing influence and its role in shaping the global narrative on trade, security, and strategic cooperation.