On May 30, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov advocates for the revival of the Russia-India-China (RIC) troika, citing improved India-China relations while accusing NATO of attempting to draw India into anti-China intrigues.
Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed Moscow’s strong interest in reviving the Russia-India-China (RIC) format during a conference on Eurasian security in Perm on May 29, 2025. The RIC troika, dormant since the 2020 Galwan crisis, could see a resurgence following recent diplomatic progress between India and China.
Lavrov’s Call for RIC Resumption
Speaking at the international conference in Perm, Lavrov emphasized Russia’s commitment to restarting the RIC framework, initiated by former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov. He noted that the troika has held over 20 ministerial-level meetings across foreign policy, economic, trade, and financial sectors. Lavrov stated, “The time has come for the revival of this RIC troika,” pointing to an understanding reached between India and China to ease border tensions, a development stemming from the October 2024 Modi-Xi meeting at the BRICS Summit in Kazan.
NATO’s Alleged Anti-China Maneuvers
Lavrov accused NATO of trying to lure India into anti-China intrigues, calling it a “large provocation.” He claimed to have discussed this with Indian officials in confidential conversations, asserting that India recognizes NATO’s tactics. This aligns with Lavrov’s earlier criticisms of Western alliances, as seen in his 2022 statements where he accused NATO of escalating tensions in the South China Sea to counter China, posing risks to Russia.
Historical Context of RIC and Recent Thaw
The RIC format, established to foster economic and security cooperation in Eurasia, has been inactive since the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. The October 2024 meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled a thaw, with both leaders committing to improve ties. A 2025 report by the Institute of Eurasian Studies noted that 65% of surveyed diplomats believe RIC’s revival could counterbalance Western influence in Asia, though India’s growing ties with the US-led Quad remain a point of contention.
Geopolitical Implications and Expert Views
Lavrov’s push for RIC revival reflects Russia’s broader goal of building a multipolar world order, as reiterated in his 2024 remarks at the Primakov Readings forum, where he stressed that RIC could align positions on Eurasian and global issues. However, geopolitical analyst Dr. Anil Sharma cautioned, “While RIC’s revival could strengthen regional cooperation, India’s strategic partnerships with the West, especially post-Operation Sindoor, might complicate its participation.” India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in a May 2025 statement, emphasized India’s independent foreign policy, saying, “We prioritize peace and regional stability, not external provocations,” hinting at a cautious approach to NATO’s overtures.
