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Prime Minister Modi's popularity, as noted by Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, highlights India's growing influence and appeal on the global stage, fostering goodwill and diplomatic ties.

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‘PM Modi is so popular’: Malaysian PM on Modi’s international appeal; Smriti Irani says ‘wave’ has ‘global echo’

Q: What specific areas did PM Modi and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim discuss for bilateral cooperation?

PM Modi and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim discussed boosting bilateral cooperation in sectors such as energy, defence, trade, investment, semiconductors, digital economy, and tourism.

PM Modi met his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in Delhi.

Updated on: Sep 12, 2026, 14:49:16 IST

By HT News Desk

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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is in India for the 18th BRICS Summit, met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and candidly mentioned that he is so popular that people messaged him to pass on their regards to Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi. (PMO)

BJP leader Smriti Irani shared a video clip of the candid exchange and wrote: “The Modi wave has a global echo! Malaysian PM Mr. Anwar Ibrahim’s candid quip says it all...” Track live updates on BRICS Summit

In the video, Ibrahim is seen shaking hands with PM Modi and as he proceeds to take a seat besides him, Ibrahim tells India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar that Modi is very popular. “I got so many messages to pass on regards to him,” Ibrahim can be heard saying.

Also read: Xi Jinping's car arrives in Delhi under black covers. What we know about the 'secret' Hongqi N701

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Modi meets Malaysian PM

Modi on Saturday held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, focusing on boosting bilateral cooperation in sectors such as energy, defence, trade and investment.

Also read: Ethiopia, Malaysia eye strong defence, business ties with India after Modi meet at BRICS

"Building on Prime Minister Modi's visit to Malaysia in February 2026, the leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation across a range of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, semiconductors, infrastructure, digital economy, energy, fintech, education, tourism and people-to-people ties," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on social media.

The leaders exchanged views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, he said.

Leaders of global south at BRICS Summit

Ibrahim is among leaders of the global south who are in India for the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13 with focus on trade, investment and global conflicts, as the bloc seeks a bigger role in shaping the global agenda for emerging and developing countries.

India is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and counterparts from the other eight BRICS members. The summit comes as wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with rising U.S.-China tensions, test the bloc’s ability to find common ground among countries with competing geopolitical interests.

Also read: BRICS 2026: PM Modi meets Abu Dhabi Crown Prince in Delhi; trade, energy security in focus

BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with Indonesia joining in 2025.

Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam became BRICS partner countries last year.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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