Russia Has Called For the Revival of Russia-India-China (RIC) Format | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Russia Has Called For the Revival of Russia-India-China (RIC) Format

Posted 31 May 2025

2 min read

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

  • India-China Border Tensions: Ongoing border disputes and trust deficit between India & China.
  • Strategic Balancing by India: India’s growing ties with the West and its role in the Quad may complicate its simultaneous engagement with the RIC grouping.
  • Russia-China dynamics: Russia's growing closeness with China, especially in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, might raise concerns in India about the impartiality of the RIC platform.
  • Tags :
  • International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
  • Russia-India-China
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