‘Will for Peace’ drills: BRICS tests the waters of military cooperation

Source: South China Morning Post | Original Published At: 2026-01-17 04:00:08 UTC

Key Points

• First BRICS-plus naval exercises included Brazil, Egypt, China, Russia, and South Africa, with India declining participation.
• China led the drills while Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia participated as observers, signaling expanding military cooperation.
• Iran initially sent ships but withdrew to avoid US tensions, highlighting geopolitical sensitivities around BRICS military activities.
• Brics expansion since 2024 now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia, with growing focus on global governance reform.