The exercise focuses on joint maritime safety operations, interoperability drills and maritime protection serials.

As global power shifts, BRICS and NATO highlight contrasting strengths - NATO’s edge lies in military cohesion, while BRICS wields influence through population scale, economic growth and its push for a multipolar world order.

Key topics China leads BRICS naval drill with Russian and Iranian vessels presentExercise revives US anger over SA’s neutrality and Iran tiesDA warns drill unde

India on Thursday formally took over the rotating presidency of the Brics grouping for 2026, with New Delhi expected to push for more inclusive development and a stronger role for the Global South in

South Africa will host a joint naval exercise with other countries of the BRICS-Plus group next month, the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed.It said that China would lead the “

Under India's leadership, BRICS will focus on a “Humanity First” framework, aiming to place human welfare, equity, and inclusive growth at the center of global economic and political discussions.

In August, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India -- including a 25% penalty for buying Russian oil. It is the highest rate among U.S. trading partners and was on par with duties slapped on Brazil, which was BRICS' 2025 chair, though Washington removed additional levies on several of Brazil's food products such as coffee and beef in November.

A major BRICS naval exercise took place off South Africa, with Russia, China, Iran and the host nation at sea. India was invited but chose not to participate. The move was influenced by careful political calculation and lingering sensitivities with Beijing.