Why the RIC Troika’s Shocking Comeback Could Shock the West

Inside the RIC Troika Comeback: What the West Fears Most

The RIC Troika Russia, India and China was pegged as an anachronism of the diplomatic scene, but now it is slowly orchestrating a revival. This is not a mere another multilateral talk. The real story is that a serious RIC Troika comeback is being canvassed, one which might change the global power equation. As Russia pursues new allies, and China sending subtle signals that this is acceptable, and India is considering strategic options, these three might come crashing together at a time when our western world is least expectant.

In case the RIC Troika picks up steam, it will do more than occupy headlines, it may transform the global height of relevance, commerce, and even geopolitical balance.

Is the RIC Troika Secretly Making a Powerful Comeback?

Behind the buzz of global summits and shifting alliances, a silent storm is brewing. The once-forgotten RIC Troika—Russia, India, and China—is inching back into motion, and the West is quietly watching. It’s not official yet, but high-level whispers, diplomatic nudges, and backroom talks hint at something big. Could this old trio re-emerge as a counterweight to Western blocs? The answer might just shape the next global chapter.

Russia is calling. China is nodding. But will India return to the table that could challenge the West’s dominance?

A Comeback No One Saw Coming

Just when the world seemed locked in a U.S.-China tug-of-war and a Europe-Russia standstill, a silent diplomatic shift has begun in Asia — and it could change the game entirely.

The Russia-India-China (RIC) troika, once considered a key symbol of Asian cooperation, is now being eyed for a revival.

It’s a format that went silent during the pandemic and stayed frozen after the deadly India-China border standoff in 2020. But now, something’s stirring. Russia wants it back. China supports the idea. And India? India’s keeping the world guessing.

Could this quiet trilateral meeting become the new power axis of the East?

Let’s unpack everything: who’s pushing for what, why now, what India’s really thinking — and why the return of RIC matters more than ever.

Russia: Leading the Charge to Reunite

Earlier this week, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko made a statement that jolted geopolitical observers.

“We are interested in making this format work because these three countries are not only important partners but also the founders of BRICS,” he told Russian outlet Izvestia.

According to Rudenko, Moscow is already in talks with both Beijing and New Delhi about resuming RIC dialogues — a format that has been dormant for nearly four years.

So why is Russia suddenly reviving an old mechanism?

Simple: geopolitical urgency.

1. Russia is facing increasing isolation due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
2. Western sanctions have pushed it to look East for stronger alliances.
3. Reuniting with India and China under a familiar platform could give Moscow global leverage, outside of BRICS and beyond SCO.
4. For Russia, RIC isn’t nostalgia — it’s necessity.

China: Whispering a Soft Yes

While Russia made its intention public, China responded with quiet enthusiasm.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday:

“China-Russia-India cooperation not only serves the interests of the three countries but also contributes to peace, security, stability, and progress in the region and the world.”

Translation? Beijing is absolutely on board — but is choosing a softer tone to avoid stirring sensitivities, especially with India.

This comes shortly after Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar visited China for the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where he held discussions with both his Chinese and Russian counterparts — Wang Yi and Sergei Lavrov.

Diplomatic insiders say the timing of China’s support isn’t accidental. It’s a signal that Beijing is ready to thaw frozen ties, especially after years of cold silence post-Galwan.

India: The Silent Swing Vote

India, the third pillar of RIC, has so far taken a measured, calculated stance.

When asked about Rudenko’s comments, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:

“RIC is a consultative format where the three countries discuss global and regional issues… Any decision regarding its revival will be worked out in a mutually convenient manner.”

India hasn’t said “no.”

It hasn’t said “yes.”

Instead, it’s said, “Maybe — let’s talk.”

And that’s telling. Because India’s hesitation reflects a much larger question:

1. Can India trust China again after the deadly border standoff in Ladakh?
2. Can it re-engage with Beijing without jeopardizing its strategic partnerships with the U.S., Japan, and Australia (Quad)?

For New Delhi, it’s about balancing legacy diplomacy with present-day pragmatism.

What is RIC — and Why Did It Go Dormant?

For those unfamiliar, the RIC mechanism was born in the late 1990s. The idea was simple but powerful: create a tripartite forum for three of Asia’s largest powers to discuss global governance, regional stability, and development.

Over time, it became a symbol of multipolarity — a counter to Western-centric alliances like NATO and G7.

But in recent years, RIC fell into deep freeze.

Reasons Why RIC Went Silent:

1. The COVID-19 pandemic: As with most diplomacy, face-to-face formats vanished.
2. India-China border clashes in 2020: Trust completely collapsed, especially after the Galwan Valley incident.
3. India’s strategic shift toward the West: Through platforms like the Quad and stronger U.S. ties.

RIC simply became a victim of the realignment of global friendships.

Why RIC’s Revival Matters Now

Reviving RIC is not just about symbolism — it’s about reshaping global influence.

Here’s why the troika matters again:

1. Powerful Collective Voice

Together, Russia, India, and China account for:

• Over 3.2 billion people
• 22% of the global GDP
• Nuclear capabilities
• Strategic hold over Eurasia

In a world where the G7 and Quad dominate headlines, RIC could act as Asia’s balancing force.

2. Alternative to Western Alliances

As the West deepens its coalitions (NATO, G7, AUKUS), RIC can offer an alternative voice from the Global South — especially on issues like climate justice, AI ethics, and trade reform.

3. A Platform for Healing

RIC might also act as a quiet room for India and China to talk, away from public pressure and military posturing.

Can RIC Coexist with Quad?

One common concern is: Can India be part of both RIC and Quad without sending mixed signals?

The answer lies in India’s diplomatic DNA.

New Delhi has long championed “strategic autonomy.” It wants strong ties with the U.S. — without abandoning its old friendships with Russia or regional formats like BRICS, SCO, or even RIC.

If managed well, India could use RIC for Eurasian connectivity and Quad for Indo-Pacific security — playing both sides smartly.

What’s the Likely Road Ahead?

While no date has been set for a RIC meeting, multiple signs suggest the talks may resume before the end of 2025 — possibly on the sidelines of a SCO or BRICS+ summit.

Expect:

1. Track-2 diplomacy first (think tanks, retired diplomats)
2. Followed by a formal ministerial meet
3. And then, possibly, a rebranded, re-energized RIC 2.0

But it all depends on whether India feels ready to re-enter the room with China — without compromising its red lines.

Video courtesy of WION. All rights reserved to WION.

Final Word: A Silent Shift with Loud Consequences

The return of the RIC troika isn’t just about diplomacy — it’s about rebalancing the world order.

It’s about whether India can lead a new Asian consensus, without being trapped between China’s aggression and the West’s expectations.

The next few months could define:

1. Whether Asia stands united or divided
2. Whether India chooses caution or courage
3. Whether Russia, China, and India can truly trust each other again

Whatever happens, the world is watching.

What You Should Do Now:

Comment below: Should India revive RIC or focus only on the West?

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