Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed Moscow's strong interest in revitalizing the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral cooperation framework. Speaking at an international conference in Perm, Russia, Lavrov emphasized the historic significance and potential of the RIC format, established many years ago at the initiative of former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov.
Addressing the plenary session on creating a unified and equitable security and cooperation system in Eurasia, Lavrov highlighted that the RIC has convened more than 20 ministerial-level meetings, encompassing foreign policy, economic, trade, and financial agencies of the three nations.
"As of today, an understanding has been reached between India and China aimed at de-escalating border tensions," Lavrov noted. "It seems the time has come to revive the RIC troika cooperation." The trilateral engagement had effectively stalled following the Galwan Valley incident in June 2020.
Lavrov further expressed concerns over NATO's attempts to involve India in anti-China strategies. Speaking from confidential dialogues with Indian counterparts, he characterized such moves as provocative and cautioned against external interference that could destabilize regional dynamics.
The recent bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, October 2024, was highlighted as a positive step toward improving bilateral ties and alleviating tensions.
Lavrov's statements underscore Moscow's commitment to fostering multilateral collaboration among Russia, India, and China as a cornerstone for regional stability and equitable cooperation.
