China-Russia-Iran Joint Naval Exercise in South Africa Under BRICS Plus Framework

Source: Aaj Tak | Original Published At: 2026-01-10 12:22:44 UTC

Key Points

• China, Russia, and Iran launched a week-long joint naval exercise in South African waters under the BRICS Plus framework.
• The exercise focuses on maritime security, joint operations, and coordination, with Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia participating as observers.
• BRICS Plus is described as an expanded mechanism including non-original members like Iran and Saudi Arabia, positioning itself as an alternative to Western economic and strategic dominance.
• South African military officials deny political motivations, though domestic pro-Western parties criticize the exercise as violating neutrality.
• The timing coincides with heightened tensions between BRICS Plus members and the United States, raising questions about shifting maritime power dynamics.