Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs announced India’s involvement in the Russia-India-China (RIC) grouping virtual meeting, due to take place on 23rd June, 2020. This platform had been the setting for the first meeting between India and China in New Delhi following the close of the Doklam standoff.
The Special Session and Its Key Points of Discussion
The special session of the RIC is called by its present Chair, Russia, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II and the establishment of the United Nations (24th October, 2020). The current global pandemic, challenges to global security, financial stability, and RIC cooperation in this context will also be discussed.
India’s, China’s, and Russia’s Stand on Participation
India’s decision to participate in the ministerial level exchange has paved the way towards de-escalation of tension along the Line of Actual Control. In response to the participation confirmation, China has agreed to manage the situation in the border areas. Meanwhile, Russia indicated its support for a “constructive dialogue” about the tension in eastern Ladakh, as it is a trusted nation by both India and China.
Emphasis on Regional Connectivity
Regional connectivity projects, including the International North South Transport Corridor involving India, Russia, and Iran, are expected to be included in the meeting’s agenda. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), established in 2000, is a multi-modal transportation system that connects the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea via Iran, and to St. Petersburg and Northern Europe via Russia.
No Bilateral Issues in Focus
The focus of the meeting primarily lies in the global coronavirus pandemic, and hence, no bilateral issues will be discussed.
RIC: A Stategic Grouping
RIC was formed in the late 1990s under Russian politician, Yevgeny Primakov’s leadership, as “a counterbalance to the Western alliance.” The grouping aims to terminate subservient foreign policies guided by the USA, renew ties with India, and foster newly discovered relations with China. RIC countries collectively occupy over 19% of global landmass and contribute over 33% of the global GDP.
Relevance of RIC for India
RIC is crucial for India’s strategic balance and cooperation, and plays an important role in establishing a new economic order for the world. On issues such as governance over the Arctic and humanitarian assistance, the RIC has common interests that they can work together on.
Concerns Regarding RIC
Despite its significance, RIC brings its own set of concerns. India’s traditional nonalignment in international politics has been challenged due to China’s recent hostile attitude. Although Russia remains an ally, it is under stress to follow China’s mandates. For example, it earlier opposed the Indo-Pacific concept at the Raisina Dialogue, and on matters such as Jammu and Kashmir, Russia did not entirely support India’s stand.
RIC: A Platform for Resolution and Strengthening Cooperation
India is dedicated to protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity in border areas, and RIC provides a platform to resolve differences through dialogue. As a core of both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the BRICS, greater cooperation between RIC nations would strengthen these two organizations. With its geographically contiguous nature, the RIC serves as a valuable platform to discuss various global issues.
