India at the Centre of RIC Revival as Russia Backs Trilateral Talks

By siliconindia  |  Friday, 30 May 2025, 08:50:46 AM IST

India at the Centre of RIC Revival as Russia Backs Trilateral Talks
  • Lavrov reaffirms Russia’s strong interest in restarting the Russia-India-China trilateral dialogue, paused since the 2020 Galwan clashes.
  • Lavrov cites improving border relations between India and China as a positive sign for resuming trilateral cooperation.
  • Lavrov accuses NATO of provoking anti-China sentiments and acknowledges India’s awareness of such Western tactics.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed Moscow’s strong support for reviving the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral dialogue, citing improving ties between New Delhi and Beijing. Speaking at the plenary session of an international conference focused on Eurasian security cooperation, Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's commitment to restoring the RIC mechanism.
Lavrov emphasized that Russia is 'genuinely interested' in relaunching the RIC format, which he noted was established years ago through the efforts of former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov. He highlighted that the trilateral has held over 20 ministerial-level meetings, not only among foreign ministers but also across trade, economic, and financial portfolios.
The RIC format has remained inactive since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes between Indian and Chinese troops, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops. Tensions between India and China led to a halt in patrols at several friction points along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh.
However, Lavrov indicated that there has been recent progress in the India-China relationship. “As of today, as I understand, an understanding has been reached between India and China on how to ease the situation on the border”, Lavrov said, suggesting that conditions were now favorable for reviving the trilateral dialogue.
He also took aim at Western alliances, particularly NATO, accusing them of attempting to draw India into 'anti-China intrigues'. Lavrov said, “I have no doubts that our Indian friends, and I say this based on confidential conversations with them, obviously see this trend that can be deemed as a large provocation”.
Lavrov’s remarks come months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. The meeting was perceived as a significant thaw, with both leaders agreeing on the need to improve strained bilateral ties.
Russia’s call for a RIC revival signals renewed efforts toward regional cooperation, especially amid global geopolitical shifts and ongoing conflicts.
 

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