Will the Russia-India-China Alliance Make a Comeback? Insights from New Delhi

New Delhi's Stance on RIC Mechanism Revival

New Delhi: On Thursday, India expressed that the potential revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) mechanism depends on the mutual agreement of the three nations involved.

This statement from New Delhi followed remarks from the Chinese foreign ministry, which indicated Beijing's support for Russia's push to reinstate the RIC framework, emphasizing its benefits for the three countries and its role in maintaining regional security and stability.

According to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, this consultative format allows the three nations to engage in discussions regarding global and regional matters of mutual interest.

When asked about the timing of the next RIC meeting, Jaiswal noted that it would be determined based on what is convenient for all three countries.

Sources have indicated that no specific meeting has been scheduled for the RIC format at this time, and discussions regarding its timing are not currently taking place.

Russian media reported that Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko stated that Moscow is hopeful for the RIC format's revival and is in talks with both Beijing and New Delhi about this matter.

Rudenko mentioned, "This topic is part of our discussions with both countries. We are keen on making this format operational, as these three nations are significant partners and also the founders of BRICS."

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that cooperation among China, Russia, and India not only benefits the three nations but also contributes to peace, security, stability, and progress both regionally and globally.

He added that China is prepared to continue communication with Russia and India to enhance trilateral cooperation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted last year that the RIC framework's activities were interrupted first by the COVID pandemic and subsequently by the military standoff between India and China along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh.

Historically, the RIC framework facilitated periodic meetings among the foreign ministers of the three countries to address bilateral, regional, and international issues of shared interest.