Archive · 21 Aug 2025
India's Strategic Opportunity in Reinvigorated Russia-India-China Bloc
The Russia, India, and China group, called RIC, is being talked about again as a way to work together on security.
The world faces new threats like cyberattacks, and India wants to help.
India has experience in dealing with terrorism and cyber threats.
They can share knowledge and build defenses together.
In the Indian Ocean, where a lot of trade happens, India wants to make sure everyone is safe.
India aims for cooperation that follows the rules and helps all countries.
India wants the RIC to focus on real problems.
India also wants the RIC to be a place where countries can work together instead of just competing.
The Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral is being revisited as a potential collective security framework to counter Western-led security.
India's approach to security focuses on a multidimensional strategy to address hybrid threats, including cyberattacks.
India can lead in establishing a joint RIC counterterrorism doctrine focusing on intelligence sharing and capacity building.
India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is crucial, especially with China's growing presence.
India should ensure that any maritime cooperation adheres to international law and benefits all coastal states.
- Who
- Russia, India, and China (RIC) with focus on India's role.
- What
- Revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral for a collective security framework.
- When
- Ongoing
- Where
- Global; specifically focusing on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Why
- To counter perceived Western-led security architecture and address hybrid threats.
India's Perspective
Russia and China's Perspective
Goals of RIC
India's Perspective
India aims to ensure that the RIC serves a constructive purpose by pushing for a security framework that is multilateral, rules-based, and focused on specific, non-traditional threats. India aims to transform this grouping from a tool of geopolitical realignment into a meaningful platform for collective action.
Russia and China's Perspective
Russia and China's perspective focuses on countering Western-led security architectures.
- RIC Countries
- Russia, India, and China
- Focus
- Hybrid threats, counterterrorism, maritime security
- India's Role
- Bridge between powers, champion of Global South
- IOR Initiatives
- SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), MAHASAGAR
- Key Issues
- Cyber warfare, terrorism, maritime security