India Clarifies Non-Participation in South Africa-Led Naval Exercise Involving Some BRICS Members

India did not participate in the recent 'Will for Peace 2026' naval exercise near South Africa's coast, clarifying that it was a South African initiative involving some BRICS members and not a regular or institutionalised BRICS activity. India’s regular maritime engagement in the region is the IBSAMAR exercise with Brazil and South Africa, last held in October 2024. The China-led drills included navies from Russia, Iran, and others, with Brazil participating only as an observer amid rising global maritime tensions.