Malaysia is using its participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi to strengthen economic, technological and strategic ties with major emerging economies, as the country seeks greater opportunities for trade, investment and cooperation.

Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim held a series of high-level engagements on the sidelines of the summit, including a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions covered areas of growing importance to Malaysia, including defence, trade, digital technology and semiconductors.

The engagement is significant as Malaysia seeks to deepen its relationship with India while expanding its position within the wider BRICS framework. Malaysia has been a BRICS Partner Country since January 2025, giving Kuala Lumpur an additional platform to engage major emerging economies and pursue new avenues for economic cooperation.

For Malaysia, the semiconductor sector remains a particularly important area of cooperation. The country has established itself as a major player in the global semiconductor supply chain, particularly in assembly, testing and packaging. Greater collaboration with India in digital technology and advanced industries could support Malaysia’s efforts to attract investment, expand technological capabilities and strengthen its role in regional supply chains.

Trade and investment also remain central to Malaysia’s BRICS engagement. The grouping provides Kuala Lumpur with opportunities to develop stronger commercial links with emerging markets while supporting Malaysia’s broader efforts to diversify economic partnerships.

During his visit, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim also met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and invited Ethiopia to establish an embassy in Kuala Lumpur. The invitation reflects Malaysia’s interest in strengthening its diplomatic and economic engagement with Africa, particularly as Ethiopia has become part of the expanded BRICS grouping.

Malaysia’s participation in the New Delhi summit therefore extends beyond attendance at a major international gathering. It reflects Kuala Lumpur’s effort to use BRICS as a platform for expanding trade, attracting investment, strengthening technological partnerships and building closer relations with emerging economies.

Through these engagements, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim is positioning Malaysia to benefit from a wider network of economic and diplomatic partnerships while reinforcing the country’s role as an active partner in the evolving Global South.