BRICS nations have launched joint naval exercises off the South African coast. Supporters say the drills will strengthen co-operation among emerging economies.  But critics warn they could deepen global divisions.

Simon's Town

South Africa is hosting a week-long naval exercise in Simon's Town involving Russia, China, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, while other BRICS Plus members such as Brazil and India are not participating. The South African government describes the drills as a culmination of months of planning and emphasizes their focus on cooperation, maritime security, and stability at sea.

Organizers state that the exercises are intended to build trust and improve coordination among the participating nations, but critics warn that collaboration with Russia and Iran may further strain South Africa's relations with the United States. The presence of Russian and Chinese warships at a South African naval base is seen by some as sending a political message during a period of heightened global tensions.

South Africa hosts Russia, Iran and China for military exercise

This is the start of a week-long program of naval exercises that bring together members of the BRICS Plus group. While Russia, China, Iran and the United Arab Emirates are participating, other members, like Brazil and India, have stayed away. Host South Africa says it's the culmination of months of planning. Each one of you should feel immense pride as you march onto this parade ground, looking to your left, to your right, and seeing the flags of our nations flying high. Those flags symbolize not only sovereignty, but cooperation, mutual respect and shared commitment to peace and stability at sea. Organizers say the drills are about building trust and cooperation, improving coordination and protecting maritime routes. But critics say working with Russia and Iran will likely worsen relations with the United States. This being a BRICS exercise, it's placing a magnifying glass on South Africa as well as its, and who it's being friendly with. And already we've seen that Russia has stated that it's at war with America, it's at war with Europe, it's at war with NATO. Iran has stated very recently that it deems itself to be at war with the U.S. So, South Africa has lots to gain on the maritime front, but I believe it's got to tread very, very carefully on the geopolitical front. Relations between Washington and Pretoria have become increasingly frosty. The U.S. is unhappy with both South Africa's domestic and foreign policies. Vessels have been docked here in Simons Town for several days as part of the exercises. Critics say the presence of Russian and Chinese warships at a South African naval base risks sending a political message at a time of heightened global tensions. South African government says the China-led drills are routine and defensive and not directed at any country. It also says they aim to promote stability in international waters. Whether these exercises signal deeper military alignment or merely practical cooperation, they are likely to be watched closely. Fahmida Muller, Al Jazeera, Simons Town, South Africa.

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