Russia, Iran, and China Conduct BRICS Naval Drills in South Africa

Source: Moneycontrol | Original Published At: 2026-01-09 13:20:09 UTC

Key Points

• Naval drills led by China involve BRICS members Russia, South Africa, and newly joined Iran, focusing on maritime safety and anti-piracy operations.
• Exercises were postponed from late 2025 due to G20 summit scheduling conflicts in South Africa.
• US-South Africa relations strain over Venezuela, Iran, and BRICS military cooperation, with Trump administration criticizing South Africa's ties to 'sanctioned states.'
• South Africa denies allegations of supplying weapons to Russia via its naval base, as claimed by the Biden administration in 2023.
• Domestic opposition in South Africa criticizes the drills as a 'political trick' to legitimize military ties with 'rogue states.'