Russia Pushes For Revival Of India-China Relations And RIC Format

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Russia has expressed strong interest in the swift restoration of India-China relations and the revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral framework. Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov emphasized the importance of renewed cooperation between the three nations, citing mutual benefits in security, economic development, and global stability.

Diplomatic Developments And Strategic Interests

- Russia views the normalization of India-China relations as crucial for Eurasian stability and economic collaboration.
- The RIC format, which had been active since the 2000s, was suspended following the 2020 border clashes between India and China.
- Russian officials believe that recent diplomatic engagements between India and China signal a positive shift toward restoring full-fledged relations.
- Moscow has reiterated its commitment to facilitating dialogue and fostering trust between the two Asian giants.

Historical Context And Recent Engagements

The RIC framework was originally established to enhance trilateral cooperation on global security, trade, and climate change. However, tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh led to a freeze in RIC activities. In October 2024, India and China initiated mutual troop withdrawals from sensitive border areas, following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in Kazan.

Russia’s Role In Strengthening Trilateral Cooperation

- Moscow has consistently advocated for deeper collaboration among the three largest Eurasian nations.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has urged India and China to resume RIC engagements, highlighting shared interests in countering Western geopolitical pressures.
- Russia believes that a revived RIC format could serve as a platform for addressing security concerns, economic challenges, and climate-related issues.

Future Prospects And Global Implications

The potential revival of the RIC framework could reshape regional dynamics, offering India, China, and Russia a structured mechanism for dialogue and cooperation. While geopolitical complexities remain, Russia remains optimistic that diplomatic efforts will pave the way for renewed trilateral engagement.

Source: Russian Embassy In India, TASS, Economic Times, India Today