Brics Summit: Malaysia, Ethiopia seek stronger defence cooperation with India

On the sidelines of the Brics summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The meetings reportedly marked a new trajectory in relations with both countries, as Malaysia and Ethiopia expressed a strong desire for enhanced defence cooperation with India.

Discussions included joint personnel training and defence procurement from India, with both nations welcoming Indian industry and investment. Ethiopia welcomed Indian mining companies, and Malaysia agreed to the opening of a new Indian consulate in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Prime Minister Modi reviewed the outcomes of his visit to Malaysia earlier this year and discussed progress in bilateral cooperation across various sectors such as trade, investment, defence, semiconductors, infrastructure, digital economy, energy, fintech, education, tourism, and people-to-people ties.

The leaders also exchanged views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Ethiopian meeting saw the leaders discuss strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership, reviewing progress across sectors like economic cooperation, defence and security partnership, and capacity building.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in multilateral forums, with Modi noting that Ethiopia's presence helped reinforce the collective voice of the Global South.