PM Modi thanks Malaysia, Cuba for condemning Pahalgam terror attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Malaysia and Cuba, where he conveyed India's appreciation for their condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. This diplomatic exchange underscores India's efforts to garner international support against terrorism while advancing its bilateral and multilateral agendas.

During his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, PM Modi specifically thanked him for Malaysia's strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives in April 2025. The two leaders further engaged in discussions concerning the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with Modi congratulating Malaysia on its successful stewardship of ASEAN and welcoming its support for strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including the early completion of the FTA review. This review is crucial for India to address concerns regarding trade imbalances and the alleged re-routing of goods from third countries through ASEAN nations.

Separately, Prime Minister Modi also met with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez. During their discussions, Diaz-Canel expressed significant interest in India's digital public infrastructure and the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) system, acknowledging India's expertise in the fintech sector. Modi also proposed that Cuba consider recognizing the Indian pharmacopoeia, which would facilitate access to affordable Indian generic medicines for Cuba's national healthcare system. Additionally, the possibility of integrating traditional Indian Ayurveda into Cuba's public health system was discussed, highlighting India's growing soft power in healthcare. These meetings, along with pull-asides with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, underscore India's active engagement on the global stage.