Bangladesh, Jan. 11 -- South Africa has defended its decision to conduct joint naval exercises with fellow BRICS members Russia, China, and Iran, describing the drills as an essential step to ensure maritime security at a time of growing tensions on the worlds oceans. The multinational naval exercises, dubbed “Will for Peace 2026,” commenced off the coast of Cape Town on January 10 and are scheduled to conclude on January 16.

The drills have drawn international attention due to their timing, coming shortly after a series of high-profile actions by the United States Navy in the Caribbean. Earlier this month, US forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, claiming it had violated Washingtons sanctions regime against Venezuela. ...