India Clarifies Non-Participation in South Africa-Led BRICS Naval Exercise
Cooperation areas
Source: Firstpost | Original Published At: 2026-01-17 14:43:13 UTC
Key Points
- India explicitly stated it did not participate in the South Africa-led naval exercise described as 'Brics Naval Exercise'
- MEA confirmed the drills were 'entirely a South African initiative' without formal BRICS backing
- Exercise included China, Russia, Iran, Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE but excluded India and Brazil
- India emphasized its participation only in the regular IBSAMAR trilateral naval drills with Brazil and South Africa
- Clarification came during India's BRICS chairmanship year with expanded membership including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE