RIC Trilateral Foreign Minister’s Meet – The stakes for India

Why in news?

The 15^th foreign ministerial meeting of the trilateral grouping, Russia, India and China (RIC) is to be held shortly.

What is the significance of the meet for Indo-China relations?

It comes in the backdrop of months of tense relations between India & China on multiple issues.
This would also be the first high profile Chinese official visit after Mr. Xi was assured a 2^nd term with greater popularity.
Notably, China blocking India’s entry into NSG and tensions in Arunachal & Doklam plateau were the recent tension points.
Beijing also continues to ignore India’s objections to the China-Pakistan-Economic Corridor (CPEC).
This passes through disputed PoK and thereby violates India’s sovereignty.

How is the current India - Russia relationship?

Russia and India have held the same positions on several of the key problems in international relations for many years now.
Both intend to create an inclusive world order by strengthening global institutions like the United Nations.
But economic sanctions by EU & US against Russia (due to the Crimean annexation) has already made Russia heavily dependent on Chinese trade.
Also, Russia’s Afghan policy and its recent Pakistan outreach are disaligned to that of India’s perspectives.
Hence, India and Russia need to strengthen their wanning relationship that has been built on mutual trust and confidence over decades.

How does the future look?

China is expected to follow an assertive path in the geo-political & economic sphere in the near future.
Due to its financial might and economic heft, there is a possibility that China would unilaterally dominate the affairs of the RIC.
This calls for strong strategic thinking on India’s & Russia’s part to hinder China from unilaterally dominating affairs.

Chinese expansion into Central Asia and Eastern Europe appears to be a concern for Russia as these regions have traditionally its forte.
While building its relationship with China, Russia is wary of increasing Chinese dominance in the geopolitical order – India should capitalise on this.

Source: Economic Times