In response to queries regarding India's absence from the recent 'BRICS Naval Exercise' held near South Africa's coast, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that the drills were "not a regular activity" within the BRICS framework. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the exercise was primarily a South African initiative and not an institutionalized BRICS event, emphasizing that not all BRICS members participated.
The naval exercise, which commenced on January 9, 2026, involved several BRICS members, including China, Russia, and South Africa, along with other nations like Iran, Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These joint naval drills included exercises on rescue and maritime strike operations, and technical exchanges. China stated that their participation was intended to safeguard vital shipping lanes and economic activities. The drills took place near South Africa's coast, specifically around Simon's Town, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Jaiswal clarified that India has not participated in similar activities in the past. He stated that India's regular engagement in the maritime domain within the BRICS context is through the IBSAMAR exercise, which involves the navies of India, Brazil, and South Africa. The last iteration of IBSAMAR took place in October 2024.
BRICS, an acronym derived from the initial letters of its founding members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE in 2024, with Indonesia joining in 2025. The group represents a significant portion of the global population, GDP, and trade. South Africa currently holds the chair of BRICS.
The United States has criticized South Africa for including Iran in the drills, especially given the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran. The US embassy in South Africa expressed "concern and alarm" over reports that South Africa's defense ministry allegedly defied government orders regarding Iran's participation, arguing that it undermined maritime security and regional stability.
