In a clear diplomatic note, India’s Foreign Ministry has distanced itself from the naval maneuvers off Cape Town, labeling them a non-BRICS affair despite involvement from key members like China and Russia. The ‘Exercise Will for Peace 2026’ wrapped up last week, but New Delhi was conspicuously absent.
Speaking to reporters, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed notions of it being a standard BRICS naval drill. ‘It was purely South Africa’s own effort, with participation from some BRICS countries. This isn’t institutionalized BRICS activity, and India sticks to its established exercises,’ he explained.
Hosted in South African maritime zones from January 9-16, the drill brought together vessels including China’s Tangshan destroyer, the PLA’s Taihu replenishment ship, Russia’s Stoykiy corvette, and South Africa’s Amatola frigate. Participants practiced formation changes, maritime interdiction, hijack rescues, joint search-and-rescue, and air defense protocols.
South African officials described the event as a platform for BRICS Plus navies to hone joint maritime security operations, interoperability drills, and protection serials. The core theme revolved around safeguarding shipping lanes and economic maritime activities through unified efforts.
The exercise underscored commitments to shared operational procedures and peaceful safety measures in contested waters. Chinese defense sources noted seamless coordination among multinational crews during navigation, strikes, and defensive maneuvers.
India, however, prioritizes the IBSAMAR maritime exercise with Brazil and South Africa—the most recent in October 2024. This trilateral format aligns with New Delhi’s strategy of selective, high-value partnerships.
The episode reflects broader dynamics within BRICS, where informal initiatives test cohesion. India’s non-participation avoids entanglement in potentially divisive alignments, especially with China’s prominent role. As Indo-Pacific rivalries intensify, such choices will influence future naval collaborations and regional stability.
