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