India Skips BRICS Naval Exercise With Iran And Other Members; MEA Clarifies
Ministry of External Affairs official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has responded to the media questions with respect to Iran and clarified India’s stand on several issues at a time, during unrest in Iran and US pressure on countries for having ties with Iran.
While being asked, India was reportedly invited to a BRICS naval exercise with Russia, China, Iran, and South Africa. We did not participate. Why? MEA spokesperson said, “India has not joined for several reasons. I don’t have the exact details, but I will update you on this”.
Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (January 16, 2026)
https://t.co/x2f9W3pIAA— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 16, 2026
To the question of Iran’s partnership and India’s support, it is asked that Iran has supported India on Kashmir. We have a long partnership. Are we giving up on Iran due to external pressure? MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded, ” We have a long relationship with Iran. We are closely following developments and will take the partnership forward”.
While responding to India’s ties amid Trump’s 25% tariff threat for trading with Iran, the spokesperson said, “India’s trade with Iran was $1.6 billion last year. Iran accounts for 0.15% of India’s total trade”.
