Archive · 6 Jan 2026
India Skips BRICS Naval Drill in South Africa
India was invited to join a naval exercise with other BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa) in the Indian Ocean.
However, India decided not to participate.
This decision was made carefully and is related to India's current relationship with China.
While India and China have been working together more in areas like business and tourism, and India's Prime Minister recently visited China, India has chosen to limit military cooperation until there are more positive political developments.
The naval exercise was led by South Africa, and India's decision not to join is seen as a way to manage its defense relationships carefully.
India was invited to participate in the BRICS naval drill off the coast of South Africa but declined.
The decision to skip the drill was a 'considered political decision' by India.
India-China ties have improved, with PM Modi visiting China in August-September 2023 for the SCO summit.
Cooperation between India and China has increased in areas like business and tourism.
India has chosen to restrict defense cooperation until there is a political breakthrough.
- Who
- India, BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
- What
- India's decision to skip the BRICS naval drill
- When
- August-September 2023 (PM Modi's visit to China)
- Where
- Off the coast of South Africa
- Why
- Considered political decision to restrict defense cooperation until a political breakthrough
- Event
- BRICS naval drill in the Indian Ocean
- Location
- Off the coast of South Africa
- India's Participation
- Declined to participate
- Reason for Non-Participation
- Considered political decision
- Recent India-China Relations
- Improved, with PM Modi's visit to China in August-September 2023
- Areas of Cooperation
- Business and tourism
- Defense Cooperation Status
- Restricted until political breakthrough