Reviving the RIC Talks: What It Means for Stability in South Asia

The Russia-India-China (RIC) dialogue, first proposed by Russian leader Yevgeny Primakov in the late 1990s, was intended to bring together three major Asian powers to promote a more balanced world order, independent of Western influence. The idea was to create a space where Russia, India, and China could openly discuss strategic, economic, and security issues outside Western-led alliances.

Over the years, the RIC platform has seen periods of activity and inactivity, particularly due to tensions between India and China, such as recent border clashes. Now, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pushing to revive the talks, Moscow appears keen to counterbalance Western alliances like NATO and AUKUS. China supports the move, and India has shown cautious interest.

Reviving RIC at this point in time carries both opportunities and challenges, especially for the stability of South Asia.

Changing Global Landscape

When RIC was first formed, Russia was recovering from the collapse of the Soviet Union, China was still rising economically, and India aimed to remain neutral in a world dominated by the U.S. Today, things have shifted: China is a global superpower, Russia is facing international isolation due to the Ukraine war, and India has drawn closer to the U.S. through alliances like the QUAD. Still, India continues to engage with both Russia and China through platforms like BRICS Plus and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), showing its strategy of balancing global powers.

A Space for Dialogue

One of the main benefits of restarting RIC talks is the opportunity it offers for India and China to engage in dialogue—even informally. With tensions high along the India-China border and ongoing issues with Pakistan, RIC could offer a way to manage crises and reduce the risk of conflict.

The platform also promotes a multipolar world—something many South Asian countries support. If RIC focuses more on economic cooperation, it could improve regional trade, infrastructure, and job creation. It also has the potential to unite the three countries in tackling terrorism and organized crime.

Risks and Limitations

However, the deep distrust between India and China remains a major obstacle. China's strong ties with Pakistan, its assertive territorial claims, and growing influence through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continue to worry India. There’s a risk that RIC could become more symbolic than effective, offering talk without meaningful progress.

There’s also concern that RIC could ignore the interests of smaller South Asian nations like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. If these countries feel excluded, they may seek support elsewhere, which could upset regional balance.

For India, participating in RIC while maintaining close ties with the U.S. and its allies poses a difficult balancing act. RIC might give China more influence in the region, potentially weakening India’s strategic position.

Moreover, a more active RIC could prompt stronger counteractions from the U.S. and its allies—possibly escalating military presence and tensions in South Asia.

Global Implications

Reinvigorating RIC could challenge the U.S.'s Indo-Pacific Strategy and shift global discussions toward multipolarity and Global South cooperation. It may also encourage the use of alternatives to the U.S. dollar and offer resistance to Western sanctions. For India, it provides an option to maintain independence in its foreign policy while resisting pressure to fully align with any one bloc.

In conclusion, while reviving RIC could open the door for cooperation and dialogue, especially between India and China, it also risks increasing competition and instability if not managed carefully. For South Asia to benefit, the platform must work to bridge differences rather than deepen divides—and it must not leave smaller countries behind.

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