In a renewed effort to reinstate trilateral cooperation, Moscow has initiated a diplomatic outreach to Beijing and New Delhi to revitalize the Russia-India-China (RIC) format. On July 17, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko told Izvestia that discussions on the RIC format are ongoing with both India and China.[1] He emphasized that the three nations are key partners and also BRICS founders, and expressed hope that all parties would agree to resume RIC activities once their relations improve to a level conducive to effective trilateral cooperation. China and India have also echoed similar views.
China formally endorsed Moscow’s initiative to advance trilateral ties. “China-Russia-India cooperation not only serves the respective interests of our three countries, but also helps uphold peace, security, stability and progress in the region and in the world. China stands ready to maintain communication with Russia and India on advancing trilateral cooperation” stated the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian.[2] India has signaled a cautious openness to the idea, with its Ministry of Externa Affairs (MEA) affirming that any resumption would be possible “when mutually convenient” for all three members.[3]
