Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral meetings with the leaders of Ethiopia and Malaysia on Saturday pushed India’s ties with the two countries onto a broader strategic and economic trajectory, with defence cooperation, investment and new-age industries emerging as key areas of engagement, government sources told ET.During discussions on the sidelines of BRICS Summit 2026, both Ethiopia and Malaysia expressed interest to deepen defence cooperation with India, with discussions covering joint training of military personnel as well as opportunities for defence procurement from Indian companies.The meetings also underlined India’s growing pitch as a supplier of defence equipment and a strategic partner for countries looking to diversify their security and industrial partnerships.Track latest updates of the BRICS Summit 2026 hereEconomic cooperation featured prominently in both engagements, with Ethiopia and Malaysia welcoming greater participation by Indian industry and investment.Ethiopia invited Indian mining companies to explore opportunities in its natural resources sector, opening up a potentially significant avenue for Indian businesses looking overseas for mineral assets and exploration opportunities.With Malaysia, discussions also focused on the semiconductor sector, signalling potential opportunities for cooperation in an industry that has become central to India's efforts to build new strategic and technology partnerships.The bilateral engagements come as India seeks to expand its economic and strategic footprint across emerging markets, while positioning its manufacturing capabilities, from defence equipment to semiconductors, as part of its wider diplomatic outreach.Joint personnel training and defence procurement were discussed with both countries, alongside efforts to deepen commercial engagement, the sources said. Ethiopia’s invitation to Indian mining companies and Malaysia’s discussions around semiconductors pointed to the economic opportunities India is seeking to tap as it broadens bilateral partnerships beyond traditional trade ties.