Source: RT
Subject: International Relations
Context: India’s decision to skip the BRICS Plus naval exercise “Will for Peace 2026” has drawn attention as New Delhi clarified that such drills are not institutionalised BRICS activities and reflected a considered political choice amid evolving geopolitics.
About BRICS Plus Naval Exercises:
What it is?
- The BRICS Plus naval exercise is a host-led, non-institutionalised maritime drill involving selected BRICS members and invited partner countries, conducted outside the formal BRICS framework.
Host nation:
- South Africa
- Conducted off the coast of Simon’s Town, near Cape Town.
Member participants:
- Participating navies: China, Russia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, South Africa
- Observers: Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia
- Non-participants: India, Brazil (opted out of active participation)
Aim: To conduct joint maritime operations focused on the security of key shipping lanes and maritime economic activities, projected as cooperation among Global South nations.
Key features:
- Theme: “Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Key Shipping Lanes and Maritime Economic Activities”.
- Operations covering maritime security, counter-terrorism, anti-sea strike drills, and search & rescue.
- China-led operational coordination, with participation of sanctioned states like Russia and Iran.
- Framed as part of a broader “BRICS Plus” outreach, beyond core BRICS membership.
Significance:
- Highlights diverging visions within BRICS—economic cooperation versus security signalling.
- Raises concerns about militarisation of BRICS and perceptions of an anti-Western alignment.
- Explains India’s emphasis on strategic autonomy, separation of economic forums from military blocs, and caution in defence engagement with China.
