Central Delhi decked up, security tightened ahead of BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim touched down in New Delhi at 6:30pm local time, marking the beginning of a four-day mission focused on strengthening economic and strategic ties with major emerging economies. He was welcomed by Foreign Ministry Deputy Secretary-General Ahmad Faizal Muhamad, Human Resources Ministry Deputy Secretary-General Mohd Shaharin Umar, Malaysian High Commission Chargé d'Affaires Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa, and Defence Attaché Col Dr Nizlan Mohammed.

Indian officials present included Kirti Vardhan Singh, Prashant Agrawal, and Air Commodore Rishabh Mittal.

The highlight of his schedule was a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the ITC Maurya Hotel at 9pm. Subsequent meetings were set with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Anwar also had private meetings arranged with executives from prominent companies like Adani, Segula, AWL, and Motherson.

On Sunday, Anwar will address the opening session of the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit, set to be delivered in a National Statement on Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth. The summit, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Modi, emphasizes resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. Malaysia's role as a BRICS Partner Country since January 1, 2025, was underscored by this participation.

Following the summit, Anwar will embark on a working visit to Kerala, where he will engage in discussions with the Grand Mufti of India, Thiru V. D. Satheesan, and the Governor of Kerala on community development, educational advancement, and interfaith harmony. His itinerary includes meetings with Kerala's Chief Minister and Governor to further bilateral cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, tourism, healthcare, and education. Anwar's tour concludes with a trip to the Maldives on September 14.