Russia is pushing to revive the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral format citing signs of de-escalation in India-China border tensions.
About RIC Format
- RIC is an informal trilateral strategic grouping, originally conceptualized by Russia in the late 1990s to counterbalance to Western dominance.
- Over the years, it facilitated over 20 ministerial-level meetings, fostering cooperation in foreign policy, economics, & security among the 3 nations.
- However, the format is dormant since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes between India & China.
Importance
- Largest Eurasian Countries: RIC countries occupy over 19% of the global landmass & contribute to over 33% of global GDP.
- All 3 countries are also members of BRICS, G20, & Shanghai Cooperation Organization etc.
- Multilateralism: It opposes unilateralism & supports the idea of a multipolar global governance model.
- Non-Western Voice: Offers an alternative perspective on global issues, advocating for equity & reforms in global institutions.
- All 3 are nuclear powers & Russia and China are permanent members of UN Security Council.
- Eurasian Integration: Can complement projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) & the Eurasian Economic Union.
Way Forward
For India, RIC format presents both opportunities & challenges. As India prioritizes strategic autonomy, it must balance opportunities in RIC avoiding being locked into any single camp, whether Western or non-Western.
Challenges to the RIC Revival
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