China, Russia, and Iran warships conduct BRICS naval drills in South Africa; India opts out

Source: नवभारत टाइम्स | Original Published At: 2026-01-10 04:38:26 UTC

China, Russia, Iran, and South Africa are conducting joint naval drills near Cape Town, focusing on maritime security and anti-piracy cooperation.
The exercise occurs amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving US-Venezuela conflicts and US pressure on South Africa.
India declined participation despite being a founding BRICS member, signaling limited military cooperation with China despite diplomatic engagement.
Experts interpret India's absence as reflecting cautious balancing between BRICS economic ties and strategic alignment with the US.
The drills include advanced warships from participating nations, raising concerns about regional power dynamics.