India, March 5 -- Naval exercise organized by South Africa under BRICS PLUS name in January 2026 has generated domestic and international controversies. Additionally, it brought Indian presidency of BRICS Plus under watchful eyes of the Trump administration.

As reported by South African and international media outlets, Pretoria recently hosted a week-long naval exercise involving several BRICS-Plus members from 9 to 16 January, titled "Will for Peace 2026." The drill was initiated by South Africa and reportedly led operationally by China. Participating navies included South Africa, China, Russia, the UAE and Iran, while countries such as Brazil, Egypt and Ethiopia were present only as observers.

India chose not to participate, maintaini...