Archive · 18 Jul 2025
RIC Revival: Russia, India, and China Consider Renewed Dialogue
Imagine Russia, India, and China used to meet up to talk about big issues.
They wanted to work together to make the world fairer.
But then, things got complicated!
The pandemic and a fight between India and China made them stop meeting.
Now, Russia and China want to start meeting again, but India is being careful because they still have some disagreements with China.
They will restart if all three countries agree and at a time that is convenient for them.
These meetings help with issues such as business, security, and many more issues.
Russia and China are pushing to revive the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral dialogue.
India is taking a cautious approach, stating any resumption depends on mutual agreement.
RIC was created to counter Western influence and promote a multipolar world.
The dialogue was paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and India-China tensions.
India's stance is influenced by its strained relationship with China, particularly border issues.
- Who
- Russia and China are advocating for the resumption, while India maintains a cautious stance.
- What
- Efforts to revive the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral dialogue.
- When
- Interest in reviving RIC has resurfaced recently, after being dormant since 2020.
- Where
- The dialogue involves Russia, India, and China.
- Why
- To promote cooperation and potentially offset Western influence, but is complicated by India-China tensions.
China/Russia: Pro-Revival
India: Cautious Approach
Dialogue resumption
China/Russia: Pro-Revival
Advocate for the earliest resumption.
India: Cautious Approach
India's hesitance to recommit to the trilateral talks
Geopolitical impact
China/Russia: Pro-Revival
View RIC as a forum to offset Western influence
India: Cautious Approach
India's growing proximity to the US and European Union
- RIC Countries
- Russia, India, China
- RIC Origin
- Late 1990s, Yevgeny Primakov initiative
- Previous Activity
- Over 20 ministerial meetings (2002-2020)
- Reason for Pause
- COVID-19 pandemic, India-China border tensions (Galwan Valley clash)
- Current Stance
- Russia and China: advocating revival; India: cautious, dependent on agreement.