China, Russia and Iran Begin BRICS Plus Naval Exercises in South African Waters

Post by : Saif Nasser

China, Russia and Iran have started a joint naval exercise in the waters of South Africa, marking a major show of cooperation under the expanded BRICS Plus group. The drills began this week and will continue for several days, with South Africa hosting the operation and saying the goal is to improve maritime safety and protect important sea routes.

BRICS Plus is an expanded version of the original BRICS group, which included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The bloc has grown to include more countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. Members say the group aims to strengthen cooperation among developing nations and reduce dependence on Western powers.

South Africa’s military said the naval drills, named “Will for Peace 2026,” are focused on practical training at sea. These include rescue missions, communication exercises and coordination between different navies. Officials added that all BRICS Plus members were invited to take part, and some countries joined as observers.

The exercises come at a sensitive time in global politics. Relations between the United States and several BRICS Plus countries have been tense. U.S. President Donald Trump has accused the bloc of following policies that go against American interests and has warned of trade penalties. This has increased international attention on the naval drills.

Inside South Africa, the exercises have also sparked debate. The Democratic Alliance, the country’s second-largest political party, criticized the move and said it goes against South Africa’s claim of neutrality in global affairs. The party warned that closer military ties with countries like Russia and Iran could damage South Africa’s relations with Western nations.

South African defence officials have strongly rejected these claims. They said the country regularly conducts military exercises with many nations, including the United States, and stressed that the BRICS Plus drills are not aimed at any country. According to officials, the exercise is purely professional and focused on safety at sea, not politics.

The naval drills highlight changing global power patterns. As BRICS Plus grows stronger and more active, its actions are being closely watched around the world. While South Africa insists the exercise is about cooperation and security, it clearly reflects a world where global influence is becoming more divided and complex.