On March 4, 2026, the Iranian military frigate "Iris Dina" was returning from the "Milan 2026" naval exercises off the coast of Sri Lanka when it was attacked by an American submarine. The assault led to the sinking of the frigate, which was carrying around 150 officers, sailors, and technicians. A distress signal was dispatched from the maritime rescue coordination center in Colombo, prompting India to send maritime patrol aircraft and a ship to assist in rescue operations. This effort resulted in the rescue of 32 individuals, while 87 bodies were recovered, with the number of deceased reported rising to 104 by March 8 according to the Iranian military.

Despite this tragic incident, India's response has been seen as the extent of its solidarity with Iran, a country with which it shares historical ties. Two years prior, India welcomed Iran's inclusion into the BRICS coalition, which is often seen as a potential counterbalance to Western dominance. However, the muted response from BRICS nations following the attack raises questions about the future viability of this bloc as a champion for the ambitions of the Global South. The perceived silence and lack of unified support from BRICS could signal a fracture or decline in the aspirations of emerging economies to assert their influence on the world stage.

As the aftermath of this incident unfolds, analysts will likely scrutinize whether BRICS can maintain its relevance and effectiveness as a collaborative force among developing nations or if it will succumb to external pressures from more established powers. The assassination of Khamenei and the subsequent responses might serve as a litmus test for the strength and unity of the Global South in addressing global challenges and asserting its geopolitical interests.