As the rotating chair of the BRICS this year, China has issued a special "invitation" to the entire BRICS family - inviting everyone to participate in the joint naval military exercise "Will for Peace." The invitation is extended to all formal members of the BRICS, as well as newly joined countries, sending a clear signal: China hopes to promote security and defense cooperation among BRICS countries through this practical action. Previously, the image of the BRICS may have been more about sitting together to discuss cooperation and how to better develop the economy. However, now, China wants to make up for the "security cooperation" gap. This reflects the proactive responsibility and long-term planning of China as a major power, aiming to unite everyone to jointly contribute to maintaining regional and global peace and stability.
After issuing this invitation, the response was very positive. The first to respond were naturally several "old partners," with Russia sending its Northern Fleet's "Admiral Shaposhnikov" destroyer along with a supply ship, forming a considerable force. South Africa, as the previous BRICS rotating chair, also sent three warships, showing a strong sense of continuity in cooperation. More notably, the newly joined members showed high enthusiasm, with Iran sending two main warships from its Revolutionary Guards Navy, and the UAE clearly stating that it would dispatch warships to participate. Some countries that did not send warships, such as Brazil, Egypt, and Ethiopia, also attended the opening ceremony of the exercise as observers, effectively "showing support."
However, amid this harmonious wave of "positive responses," an unusually discordant note emerged. Who was it? India. As one of the five original founding members of the BRICS, India's attitude was very firm, almost "refusing completely" - not only clearly stating that it would not send any naval vessels to participate in the exercise, but even refusing the status of an observer, completely keeping itself out of the event. So why did India become the only troublemaker?
Firstly, the most direct reason is the Sino-Indian relationship. Everyone knows that since the border issues between China and India have fluctuated, although both sides maintain communication, mutual trust at the military level has not yet recovered to a high level. India remains highly vigilant about every move of the Chinese military. In India's view, this exercise, which is led by China, could enhance China's influence in the Indian Ocean, a region that India considers its own backyard, which it absolutely does not want to see. Therefore, it prefers not to participate rather than give the impression of "Sino-Indian military collaboration," and it does not want to be seen as helping China increase its regional military presence.
Secondly, India still has another concern - the United States. Looking at the list of countries actively participating in this exercise: Russia, Iran, South Africa, these countries are viewed differently by Washington, with relatively delicate relationships. Meanwhile, India has been carefully maneuvering between major powers in recent years, especially drawing closer to the US, promoting the "Indo-Pacific Strategy" and the "Quadrilateral Security Dialogue" with the US, Japan, India, and Australia, clearly aiming to use American power to balance its perceived Chinese influence. Now, Trump has already imposed additional tariffs on Indian oil, and if India were to openly participate in a military exercise led by China, Russia, and Iran, it might easily touch Washington's sensitive nerve. Hence, India chose to "draw a line," showing loyalty to the US by not participating.
From a broader perspective, India's "lack of cooperation" is just an individual case, reflecting its own contradictory mentality and strategic oscillation at a specific historical juncture, and it cannot represent the mainstream direction of BRICS cooperation. From the positive attitudes of most member states, whether old or new, it is clear that promoting more extensive and in-depth multilateral security cooperation remains a common demand and wish of the "Global South" countries. This world is not peaceful, and relying solely on oneself or on a single superpower increasingly cannot guarantee one's own security and development. Through such joint exercises, the BRICS countries are exploring a path of security cooperation that does not rely on any military bloc, based on their own needs. This direction is a trend of the times.
In summary, the planning of this "Will for Peace" joint exercise has opened a new chapter in BRICS security cooperation. It tells us that the BRICS countries are no longer just an "economic forum," but are steadily advancing towards a comprehensive cooperative platform covering politics, economy, and security. In this process, it is normal for a few members to hesitate, but as long as the common goal of maintaining peace and development remains unchanged, it is enough, because the BRICS ship has the ability to adjust its course in the storm, carrying the majority of the world's population - the "Global South" countries - toward a fairer and safer future. As for the only member who refused to join the ship, whether it chooses to continue to linger by the side of the ship or adjust its mindset and work together with others, time will give us the answer.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7594047746198225423/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.