RIC Russia-India-China Strategic Revival 2025

Russia–India–China (RIC): Trilateral Grouping and Its Strategic and Economic Potential
Introduction
The Russia–India–China (RIC) troika, conceived in the late 1990s, emerged as a strategic counterweight to Western dominance in global affairs. This blog explores RIC’s historical roots, economic power, geopolitical significance, challenges, and promising future—especially in a rapidly evolving 2025 geopolitical landscape.

1. Genesis of RIC (Russia-India-China): Historical Background

The tripartite concept was introduced by Russian statesman Yevgeny Primakov in the late 1990s to promote multipolarity and balance the global order
Drishti IAS
Axis Institute in Ranchi
. Its first official Foreign Ministers’ meeting was convened in 2002. Over time, RIC laid the foundation for expanded groupings like BRICS
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The Diplomat
Although once active—with over 20 ministerial engagements—the format has been dormant since 2020 owing to the India–China border crisis and pandemic-related disruptions
The Diplomat
Firstpost
2. Strategic Significance & Multipolar Imperative
RIC urges a shift from a U.S.-centric global order to a multipolar one. Together, the three countries command over 19% of the earth’s landmass and produce one-third of global GDP
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Next IAS
The grouping promotes:

Regional Security Coordination in areas like Afghanistan and terrorism.

Energy & Connectivity Collaboration, such as pipelines and economic corridors
Axis Institute in Ranchi
Russia Beyond
Global Governance Influence, forging paths independent of Western institutions.

RIC also complements existing frameworks such as BRICS and the SCO
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Wikipedia
3. Economic Potential: Trade & Energy Collaboration
Energy Synergy: Russia supplies vast oil and gas resources. India and China stand to benefit via joint infrastructure and assured energy imports
Russia Beyond
Trade Growth: Though RIC is informal, its potential lies in bolstering trilateral trade routes and economic integration through corridors like the INSTC
Axis Institute in Ranchi
4. Recent Momentum & Potential Revival in 2025
In May 2025, Russian FM Sergey Lavrov publicly advocated resuscitating RIC, citing easing India–China tensions
Moneycontrol
www.ndtv.com
China affirmed its support for structured RIC cooperation to enhance regional stability
The New Indian Express
India, while cautious, expressed openness, stating revival subject to “mutual convenience”
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The Times of India
5. Economic Gains & Profits from RIC
India–Russia Trade Goal: Targeting $100 billion annually by 2030, including bilateral settlement mechanisms
Reddit
Preferential Dynamics: RIC offers a platform to bypass Western sanctions, especially in energy and technology sectors
Wikipedia
The Economic Times
6. Geopolitical Context & Global Enemy Response
The U.S. is applying pressure via tariffs linked to Russian oil imports, impacting India and China indirectly
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Secondary sanctions risks drive India to consider alternatives like Middle East oil, modifying its energy sourcing strategy
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Reuters
Amid U.S. trade reorientation, RIC—and broader partnerships—may offer strategic resilience
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7. Challenges to RIC’s Continuity
India–China Border Disputes: Trust deficits linger post-Galwan clashes, complicating trilateral trust
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Izvestia
India’s Strategic Diversions: Its involvement with the Quad and Western partnerships could conflict with RIC alignment
Next IAS
Business Today
Russia–China Tilt: Russia’s closer ties with China might raise fears in India about imbalanced favoritism.

Western Economic Coercion: Ongoing U.S. sanctions and tariff threats may deter strong participation in RIC
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8. RIC Amid Other Strategic Alliances (BRICS & SCO)
RIC’s framework complements BRICS, which now includes expanded membership including Indonesia and the Gulf states
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. Within SCO, containing both India and China, RIC could offer a focused forum for high-level trilateral coordination.

9. Future of RIC: Prognosis & Strategic Imperatives
Institutional Revival: Potential resumption of Foreign Minister meetings if geopolitical and diplomatic conditions align.

Economic Convergence: Possibility of trade in local currencies, energy deals, and connectivity investments.

Strategic Buffering: RIC may serve as a stabilizing mechanism amid U.S.-West pressure.

Trust Building Prerequisite: Lasting India–China normalisation is foundational.

Global Balance Lever: It could influence multilateral negotiation spaces increasingly shaped by Asia-centric frameworks.

Conclusion
The RIC trilateral format stands as a powerful idea—bringing together Russia, India, and China to shape a multipolar Asia. Its revival in 2025 is fueled not by nostalgia but strategic pragmatism: to strengthen energy ties, buffer against Western coercion, and craft a shared Eurasian vision. The pathway forward is delicate, reliant on mutual trust, clear strategic gains, and courageous diplomatic architecture.