China, Russia, Iran launch BRICS Plus naval exercises in South African waters

Source: The Hindu | Original Published At: 2026-01-10 10:39:00 UTC

Key Points

• China, Russia, and Iran began week-long naval exercises in South African waters under the BRICS Plus framework.
• The 'WILL FOR PEACE 2026' drills involve 9 countries including Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia as observers, focusing on maritime safety and interoperability.
• South Africa positions the exercises as non-political, despite U.S. trade threats against BRICS nations and domestic political criticism.
• BRICS Plus now includes 11 countries (original 5 + 6 new members) expanding the bloc's geopolitical influence.
• Exercises follow regular South African naval cooperation with China and Russia but mark the first large-scale BRICS Plus maritime operation.