Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi meet Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim in New Delhi
Synopsis
On the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sat down for a breakfast meeting with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim — a notable opposition outreach to a visiting head of government. Anwar Ibrahim's India visit also yielded a key diplomatic win: Malaysia's agreement to an Indian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Key Takeaways
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim for breakfast in New Delhi on 13 September 2026 .
Anwar Ibrahim is in India as a BRICS Partner Country guest for the 18th BRICS Summit .
PM Modi and Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in bilateral talks.
Malaysia agreed to the establishment of an Indian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah .
Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to visit Kerala to meet India's Grand Mufti , before proceeding to the Maldives .
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over breakfast in New Delhi on Sunday, 13 September 2026, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The Congress party shared photographs of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), confirming it was a formal breakfast engagement.
Context of the Visit
Anwar Ibrahim is in India on an official visit as a guest of the BRICS Summit, where Malaysia is participating as a Partner Country. On Saturday, he attended the BRICS session on 'Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism' and joined other world leaders in a tree plantation drive. He was also present at the gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday evening.
Modi-Anwar Ibrahim Bilateral Talks
On the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with PM Anwar Ibrahim, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the two sides reviewed progress from PM Modi's visit to Malaysia in February 2026, covering areas including trade and investment, defence and security, semiconductors, infrastructure, the digital economy, energy, fintech, education, tourism, and people-to-people ties.
Notably, Anwar Ibrahim conveyed Malaysia's agreement to the establishment of a Consulate General of India in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah — a significant diplomatic development for the bilateral relationship. PM Modi also appreciated Malaysia's continued support in strengthening India-ASEAN ties.
Anwar Ibrahim's Other Bilateral Engagements
Beyond the India-Malaysia talks, Anwar Ibrahim held separate bilateral meetings on the BRICS sidelines with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The engagements underscore Malaysia's active diplomatic positioning as a BRICS Partner Country.
Next Stop: Kerala and the Maldives
After concluding his New Delhi engagements, Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to travel to Kerala to meet India's Grand Mufti. In a post on X, he said the Kerala visit would involve 'views on community development, education, and religious affairs.' He will then proceed to Male, Maldives, for an official visit at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The Rahul-Priyanka breakfast meeting adds a political dimension to what has otherwise been an officially diplomatic visit, with the opposition's engagement with a visiting head of government drawing attention ahead of India's next foreign policy cycle.
Point of View
Though not unprecedented, for the principal opposition to hold a formal meeting with a visiting head of government independently of the ruling establishment. What is more consequential than the Congress optics, however, is the substantive India-Malaysia bilateral outcome: securing Malaysia's concurrence for a Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu deepens India's access to East Malaysia, a region strategically important for maritime connectivity and the Indian diaspora. The BRICS framework is quietly expanding India's Partner Country engagements — and Malaysia's presence here reflects that shift.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi meet Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim?
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held a breakfast meeting with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim on 13 September 2026 in New Delhi, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The Congress party shared photographs on X, framing it as a formal diplomatic engagement by the Leader of the Opposition.
What is the 18th BRICS Summit and why is Malaysia attending?
The 18th BRICS Summit is a two-day multilateral summit being held in New Delhi, bringing together BRICS member countries and Partner Countries. Malaysia is attending as a Partner Country, and PM Anwar Ibrahim participated in sessions on inclusive global governance and strengthening multilateralism.
What were the key outcomes of PM Modi's bilateral meeting with Anwar Ibrahim?
PM Modi and Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reviewed progress since PM Modi's February 2026 visit to Malaysia. A key outcome was Malaysia's agreement to the establishment of an Indian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Where is Anwar Ibrahim travelling after New Delhi?
After his New Delhi engagements, Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to visit Kerala to meet India's Grand Mufti for discussions on community development, education, and religious affairs. He will then travel to Male, Maldives, for an official visit at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
Which other leaders did Anwar Ibrahim meet at the BRICS Summit?
On the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, Anwar Ibrahim held bilateral meetings with Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in addition to his talks with PM Modi.
