Why India Avoids BRICS ‘War Games’: Message Behind Skipping Joint Naval Drills
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Source: Live Hindustan | Original Published At: 2026-01-12 08:23:53 UTC
Key Points
- BRICS members (China, Russia, Iran, UAE) conducted joint naval drills near South Africa, led by China, focusing on maritime operations and rescue techniques.
- India and Brazil opted out of participation, with India maintaining strategic distance to balance relations with the United States.
- Experts note BRICS' original economic focus contrasts with military exercises, which China and Russia use to counter Western influence.
- U.S.-India trade tensions, including tariffs on Indian goods, complicate India's strategic alignment with BRICS military initiatives.
- South Africa previously conducted similar drills with Russia and China, facing Western criticism for its geopolitical positioning.