India Skips South Africa-Led Naval Exercise Citing Non-Institutional BRICS Activity

India did not participate in a recent South Africa-led naval exercise involving some BRICS members, as the Ministry of External Affairs clarified it was not an institutional or regular BRICS activity. The week-long drill in South African waters included navies from China, Russia, Iran, and others, but India and Brazil opted out. India regularly participates in the IBSAMAR maritime exercise with Brazil and South Africa and currently chairs the expanded BRICS grouping, which includes new members like Egypt and Indonesia.