Key Points
- India discussed semiconductor partnerships and defence procurement with Malaysia on BRICS sidelines
- Vietnam talks covered rare earths, space cooperation and proposed two-plus-two defence mechanism
- Ethiopia expressed interest in Indian investment in mining sector for critical minerals
India pursued partnerships in semiconductors, rare earths and critical minerals through bilateral meetings with Malaysia, Vietnam and Ethiopia on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday (12 September), expanding strategic technology cooperation beyond traditional defence ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate meetings with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The discussions covered defence procurement, semiconductor manufacturing, critical mineral supply chains, clean energy and space cooperation.
Malaysia and Ethiopia expressed interest in strengthening defence cooperation with India, including personnel training and defence procurement, according to statements. Discussions with Malaysia also focused on opportunities in the semiconductor sector, while Ethiopia welcomed greater Indian investment from companies operating in the mining sector.
Semiconductor cooperation
The meeting between PM Modi and Anwar Ibrahim reviewed bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, defence, semiconductors, infrastructure, the digital economy, energy, fintech, education and tourism, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
PM Modi described India and Malaysia as maritime neighbours and close partners, noting that the relationship was expanding into semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, infrastructure and talent mobility.
“Delighted to meet PM Anwar Ibrahim. India-Malaysia ties are moving into ambitious new areas like semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, infrastructure and talent mobility,” Modi said on X.
The meeting follows PM Modi’s visit to Malaysia in February 2026. Malaysia is participating in the BRICS Summit as a partner country at India’s invitation.
Anwar is scheduled to visit Kerala during his India trip, where he will meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister VD Satheesan and Grand Mufti of India Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad. The engagements are expected to cover community development, education and interfaith harmony.
Critical minerals focus
PM Modi’s meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed focused on strengthening the India-Ethiopia Strategic Partnership. Defence, security, economic cooperation and capacity building were among the areas discussed.
The two leaders also discussed investment linkages, critical minerals, clean energy and healthcare, according to statements issued after the meeting.
“Delighted to welcome PM Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali on his first visit to India. Today’s talks covered: Defence. Capacity building. Investment linkages. Critical minerals. Clean energy. Healthcare,” PM Modi said.
Ethiopia expressed interest in greater Indian investment, particularly from mining companies, amid growing focus on critical minerals and resource security. Modi added that the two countries would work together to strengthen India-Africa ties and amplify the voice of the Global South.
The external affairs ministry said the leaders reviewed progress in key areas of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and international developments.
Rare earths and space
PM Modi also met Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung, with the two sides discussing expansion of cooperation in defence, energy, rare earths and space.
PM Modi said the leaders discussed deepening defence and security cooperation, including a proposed two-plus-two mechanism involving the defence and foreign ministers of both countries. Rare earths, used in electronics, batteries and defence equipment, have become a strategic priority as countries seek to diversify supply chains away from China.
The two sides are working towards a target of $25 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, alongside greater two-way investment and stronger cultural ties.
By the numbers
Key figures from this story- $25 billion
- India-Vietnam bilateral trade target by 2030
“Vietnam will always remain a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision,” Modi said. Modi announced the MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, during his visit to Mauritius in March 2025 as part of India’s engagement with the Global South.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review progress since India and Vietnam elevated their relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese President To Lam’s visit to India in May.
The MEA said the two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership. Vietnam is participating in the BRICS grouping as a partner country.
The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi has brought together leaders to discuss global governance, sustainable development, economic cooperation, trade, digital transformation and challenges facing developing economies.
Your Questions, Answered
What did India discuss with Malaysia at BRICS Summit 2026?
India and Malaysia discussed cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, infrastructure, talent mobility, defence procurement and the digital economy during PM Modi's meeting with PM Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
What are rare earths and why is India seeking partnerships?
Rare earths are minerals used in electronics, batteries, defence equipment and clean energy technologies. India is seeking partnerships with countries like Vietnam to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on single sources for these strategic materials.
What is the two-plus-two mechanism discussed with Vietnam?
India and Vietnam discussed a proposed two-plus-two mechanism that would involve regular meetings between the defence and foreign ministers of both countries to deepen defence and security cooperation.
Which countries attended BRICS Summit 2026 as partner countries?
Malaysia and Vietnam participated in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi as partner countries at India's invitation, alongside member nations. The summit discussed global governance, sustainable development, economic cooperation and digital transformation.
