Perm, Russia – In a significant diplomatic statement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed a strong willingness to revive the trilateral dialogue between Russia, India, and China (RIC), signaling Moscow’s growing concerns over Western influence in the Asia-Pacific. Speaking at an international conference on Eurasian security held in Perm near the Ural Mountains — a symbolic geographical boundary between Europe and Asia — Lavrov underlined the importance of the RIC framework in restoring regional balance.
Lavrov stated, “I confirm Russia’s deep interest in the early resumption of the trilateral dialogue between Russia, India, and China,” recalling that the RIC dialogue was initiated under the vision of former Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov and has witnessed over 20 ministerial-level meetings over the years.
RIC Dialogue: A Strategic Tool in a Fractured Region
Lavrov’s call to restart the RIC mechanism comes at a sensitive time when India-China relations are again under stress, particularly after China’s alleged military cooperation with Pakistan during the recent Operation Sindoor. However, despite ongoing border tensions, Lavrov highlighted emerging signs of de-escalation between India and China, describing the current moment as “an appropriate window” to reactivate the RIC platform.
NATO’s Role Under Scrutiny
In a sharp critique of the West, Lavrov accused NATO and its allies — especially the United States — of fueling anti-China sentiment in India. “Our Indian friends view such moves as provocative, as reflected in confidential discussions,” Lavrov said, referring to behind-the-scenes diplomatic exchanges. He emphasized that the rebranding of the Asia-Pacific as the ‘Indo-Pacific’ by Western nations is an intentional geopolitical strategy to create divisions between India and China.
Lavrov further accused Western powers of orchestrating a “China containment strategy” and warned that such actions could undermine years of regional diplomacy. “By pushing India and China apart, the West is playing with fire in one of the world’s most sensitive regions,” he warned.
A Shift in Tone: Modi-Xi Meeting at BRICS
Amid this rhetoric, Lavrov acknowledged the relatively cordial atmosphere at the BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October 2024, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met and called for strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting was seen as a rare thaw in otherwise frosty relations, raising hopes of future cooperation.
“The Kazan summit provided a glimmer of hope, showing that dialogue remains possible despite differences,” Lavrov said, emphasizing the RIC format as a platform that could supplement such bilateral overtures.
Criticism of Quad and AUKUS
Lavrov also extended his criticism to U.S.-led multilateral security pacts like Quad and AUKUS. While his criticism of AUKUS (a trilateral pact between Australia, the UK, and the U.S.) has softened in recent years, he was direct in questioning the role of Quad (comprising India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia).
“These groupings seek to sideline ASEAN, which has long played a stabilizing role in the region,” Lavrov warned. He argued that initiatives like Quad and AUKUS are designed not just to isolate China but also to undermine multilateral structures that promote inclusive dialogue.
Strategic Balancing Act by Russia
Russia’s renewed push for the RIC platform appears to be part of a broader effort to counterbalance growing Western influence in Asia. It also reflects Moscow’s attempt to maintain its strategic relevance in a region increasingly dominated by U.S.-China rivalry.
With Lavrov’s remarks, Moscow is positioning itself as a mediator willing to facilitate dialogue between its two Asian partners, both of whom are central to Russia’s Eurasian strategy. By doing so, Russia is not only pushing back against what it sees as Western hegemony but also aiming to preserve the fragile equilibrium in Asia.
What’s Next?
While the revival of the RIC format remains uncertain, Lavrov’s comments indicate a clear intention: Russia wants to play peacemaker between India and China, leveraging its historic ties with both. As tensions continue to simmer along the Himalayan borders and Western powers deepen their Asian footprint, Moscow’s call for trilateral cooperation could provide a rare window for diplomacy — if both New Delhi and Beijing are willing to engage.
Whether the RIC mechanism regains momentum will depend largely on how India and China navigate their complex relationship. But for now, Russia’s overture stands as a reminder that multilateral diplomacy in Asia still has a voice — and that voice is urging unity over division.
