‘My brother’: PM Anwar, Modi meet on Brics sidelines

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (left) holds a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 12 Sep 2026 5:00 PM MYT

NEW DELHI, Sept 12 — “My brother” had the rare honour of becoming the warm greeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at their bilateral meeting here today.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 18th Bric Leaders’ Summit at the Hyderabad House, which is the State Guest House under the Ministry of External Affairs.

It is used for bilateral meetings, state banquets and meetings with foreign leaders.

Malaysia is participating in the Summit as a Brics Partner Country, a status it has held since January 1, 2025.

Anwar arrived here yesterday to attend the Summit hosted by Modi. This is his second visit to India, following his first in August 2024.

Malaysia and India have maintained long-standing relations since 1957, which were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the Prime Minister’s first visit here.

India remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner in the South Asian region, with total trade between the two countries reaching RM79.49 billion in 2025.

Malaysia’s key export items comprised palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, as well as electrical and electronic products, while imports mainly consisted of agricultural, petroleum and chemical products. — Bernama