Anwar met Iran’s president and India’s Modi on the BRICS sidelines, raising Hormuz security, trade, strategic ties and India’s planned Sabah consulate.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim opened a packed Saturday with back-to-back bilateral talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit – underscoring Malaysia’s push to deepen ties with rising powers while navigating regional fault lines.
In a 30-minute meeting with Pezeshkian at The Oberoi Hotel, Anwar voiced concern over escalating conflict across West Asia and stressed the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe under international law.
“Malaysia urged all parties to return to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes and de-escalate the situation,” he said.
Joined by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Anwar affirmed that Malaysia’s ties with Iran remain intact, guided by prudence and national interest.
Bilateral trade hit RM2.45 billion in 2025, driven by Malaysian palm oil exports (RM2.17 billion) against Iranian oil and gas.
Both sides explored cooperation in investment, education, healthcare and research.
At 10.30am, Anwar met Modi, who welcomed Malaysia’s role as a BRICS Partner Country.
Building on Modi’s February 2026 visit to Malaysia, the two reviewed progress on their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — covering trade, semiconductors, digital economy, fintech, defence and infrastructure.
A standout outcome: Malaysia’s agreement to let India open a Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, a milestone for bilateral and regional ties.
Modi also praised Malaysia’s role in strengthening Asean-India relations.
Anwar’s New Delhi schedule continues with meetings lined up with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
