Russia Urges Revival of RIC Troika as India–China Tensions Ease
Amid growing diplomatic engagement between India and China, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed optimism that the long-dormant Russia‑India‑China (RIC) trilateral format could soon resume. The announcement comes as both Asian powers move to stabilize their strained border relations following recent tensions.
RIC troika revival hopes
At Moscow’s “Forum of the Future‑2050,” Lavrov said that the “tension has eased significantly on the border between India and China,” and that dialogue between New Delhi and Beijing is underway. He expressed confidence that this thaw could pave the way to restore the RIC troika, which has not convened at the foreign minister level in several years.
A platform for pan‑Eurasian cooperation
Lavrov painted the RIC revival as the “first step towards pan‑Eurasian processes,” emphasizing Russia and China’s capacity to lead a shift toward a multi‑polar global order. He suggested that a reactivated RIC could strengthen regional integration and serve as a counterweight to Western alliances.
Diplomatic signals from New Delhi and Beijing
Recent formal talks between India and China underscore this momentum. Notably, India’s Ambassador to China met with Beijing’s Vice Foreign Minister—marking the first diplomatic engagement since Operation Sindoor. The meeting followed mutual pauses in hostilities and military de-escalation talks earlier this month.
Strategic implications for regional balance
The revival of RIC would offer New Delhi a strategic diplomatic signal: India can engage multilaterally with Russia and China, even as it deepens ties with Western partners through mechanisms like the Quad. For Russia, a rejuvenated RIC aligns with its push to institutionalize an alternative Eurasian order, while China could reinforce its regional leadership.
Next diplomatic steps
Lavrov also mentioned ongoing discussions about convening foreign ministers from the trio, indicating that formal meetings may occur soon. Meanwhile, a direct dialogue between India and Pakistan was urged by Moscow as another channel to build regional trust.
