Cape Town – BRICS wargames, dubbed Will for Peace 2026, commenced on 9 January in waters near Simon’s Town, South Africa. The exercises involve navies from China, Russia, Iran, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on maritime security. India, a founding member, has opted out, citing the need to balance relations with the United States.
The BRICS wargames matter for South Asia as they highlight shifting geopolitical alliances. India’s decision to skip the drills underscores its efforts to maintain strong ties with Washington amid trade disputes and accusations over Russian oil purchases. This could influence regional security dynamics, particularly in the Indian Ocean where maritime routes are vital for trade.
BRICS Military Exercises 2026 Details
The BRICS military exercises 2026 run from 9 to 16 January. Hosted by South Africa and led by China, the drills take place in waters and airspace off Simon’s Town, near Cape Town. Participating vessels include China’s guided-missile destroyer Tangshan, Russia’s corvette Stoikiy, Iran’s destroyer IRIS Naghdi, South Africa’s frigate SAS Amatola, and UAE corvettes.
Activities encompass rescue operations, maritime strike drills, counter-terrorism measures, and technical exchanges such as on-board tours. The theme, “Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Shipping and Maritime Economic Activities,” emphasises protecting trade routes from threats.
South African joint task force commander Captain Nndwakhulu Thomas Thamaha stated at the opening ceremony: “It is a demonstration of our collective resolve to work together. In an increasingly complex maritime environment, cooperation such as this is not an option. It is essential.”
The exercises are framed as a BRICS Plus operation, including expanded members like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE, which joined in 2024. Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, and Ethiopia participate as observers.
Why BRICS Wargames Matter
BRICS wargames matter because they signal enhanced cooperation among emerging economies amid global tensions. The drills aim to deepen military exchanges and boost capabilities against maritime threats, such as piracy and disruptions to shipping lanes.
In the context of recent events, including the US seizure of a Venezuela-linked Russian oil tanker in the North Atlantic on 6 January, these exercises underscore resistance to unilateral actions. US President Donald Trump, in a July 2025 statement, warned: “When I heard about this group from BRICS, six countries, basically, I hit them very, very hard. And if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly. We can never let anyone play games with us.”
For South Asia, why BRICS wargames matter extends to economic implications. The bloc seeks to reduce reliance on Western systems, promoting trade in local currencies. This could benefit countries like India and Pakistan by diversifying partnerships, though internal differences—such as tensions between UAE and Iran—limit the group’s military cohesion.
Geopolitical analyst Harsh Pant from the Observer Research Foundation noted: “For New Delhi, opting out of the drills is about balancing ties with the US.” He added that BRICS remains focused on economic cooperation rather than military alliances.
India Opts Out BRICS Drills
India opts out BRICS participation in these wargames, marking a notable absence for a founding member. Analysts suggest the move stems from strained US-India relations since Trump’s return in January 2025.
Key issues include US tariffs on Indian goods and criticism over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, seen as funding Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. A pending trade deal between the two nations hangs in the balance.
Pant explained that India views BRICS as an intergovernmental partnership for trade, not defence. “India prefers not to be tagged in the wargames or support their evolution,” he said. This stance aligns with India’s non-aligned foreign policy, avoiding entanglement in exercises perceived as anti-Western.
Brazil, another founding member, has also limited its role to observer status, reflecting similar concerns.
Background
BRICS originated in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group expanded in 2024 to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, forming BRICS Plus. South Africa currently chairs the bloc, with India set to assume the presidency in 2026.
Previous drills, known as Exercise Mosi, occurred in 2019 and 2023 involving Russia, China, and South Africa. The rebranding to Will for Peace 2026 followed a G20 summit in late 2025, emphasising peaceful maritime initiatives.
The exercises come amid broader tensions. Trump’s administration imposed 30% tariffs on South African goods and threatened additional measures against BRICS members. A July 2025 BRICS joint statement condemned “unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures” without naming the US.
In South Asia, these developments affect energy security. India, reliant on imported oil, navigates sanctions while maintaining economic growth. Pakistan, observing from afar, monitors implications for its own ties with China and the US.
Democratic Alliance spokesperson Chris Hattingh criticised the drills: “The bloc has rendered South Africa a pawn in the power games being waged by rogue states on the international stage.”
What’s Next
As BRICS wargames conclude on 16 January, attention turns to potential US responses, including further tariffs or diplomatic pressure. India assumes BRICS chairship later in 2026, where it may steer focus towards economic reforms rather than military cooperation.
The exercises could pave the way for annual BRICS military exercises 2026-style events, strengthening ties among participants. However, India’s opt-out signals challenges in unifying the bloc on security matters.
Future BRICS summits may address these divides, with emphasis on sustainable governance and inclusive growth. For South Asia, the outcome could shape maritime strategies in the Indian Ocean, vital for regional stability.
BRICS wargames thus represent a pivotal moment in multipolar geopolitics.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 12th, 2026
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