India Clarifies Position on South Africa-Led Naval Exercise
India officially clarified on Saturday that it did not participate in a multilateral naval exercise initiated by South Africa. The exercise involved several BRICS member countries. The Ministry of External Affairs stated the drill was not an institutional activity of the BRICS grouping.
Details of the Naval Maneuvers
The week-long exercise took place in South African waters. Navies from multiple nations participated in the drills. These nations included China, Russia, Iran, Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. India's absence from the exercise raised questions among observers.
The exercise occurred during a period of heightened tensions in Iran. Iran recently cracked down on anti-government protests. This context made India's non-participation more noticeable.
Official Statement from MEA Spokesperson
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to media queries. He provided clear clarification on India's position. Jaiswal emphasized the exercise was entirely a South African initiative. He said it did not have the formal backing of BRICS as a grouping.
"We clarify that the exercise in question was entirely a South African initiative in which some BRICS members took part," Jaiswal stated. "It was not a regular or institutionalised BRICS activity, nor did all BRICS members take part in it."
Jaiswal added that India has not participated in previous editions of such exercises either. This indicates a consistent position from New Delhi on this specific type of naval activity.
India's Regular Naval Engagement
The spokesperson highlighted India's regular naval exercises within a different framework. "The regular exercise that India is a part of in this context is the IBSAMAR maritime exercise," Jaiswal explained. This exercise brings together the navies of India, Brazil, and South Africa.
Jaiswal noted the last edition of IBSAMAR occurred in October 2024. This demonstrates India's active participation in trilateral maritime cooperation with specific partners.
BRICS Context and Expansion
India currently holds the chairmanship of BRICS. The grouping was originally formed by five nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. BRICS underwent significant expansion in 2024.
The expansion added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates as new members. Indonesia joined the grouping in 2025. This growth has substantially increased BRICS' global footprint and influence.
BRICS has emerged as a major multilateral platform on the world stage. The grouping represents significant global metrics:
- Approximately 49.5 percent of the world's population
- Roughly 40 percent of global GDP
- About 26 percent of global trade
India's clarification comes at a time when BRICS is expanding its membership and influence. The statement underscores that not all activities involving BRICS members represent formal BRICS initiatives. It highlights India's selective approach to multilateral naval engagements based on institutional frameworks.
