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.