RIC, a Triangle that is Still Important

Context: Calls for a westward shift in India’s foreign policy appear misplaced as engagement with Russia and China does matter.

The initial years in RIC grouping:

• Not an anti-U.S. construct: The RIC countries were transitioning to multipolar world order. They considered the relationship with the United States an essential for their global ambitions. 
• Upswing in relations: The initial years of the RIC dialogue coincided with an upswing in India’s relations with Russia and China. 

• The advent of Putin in Russia reinforced the political, defense and energy pillars of the India-Russia strategic partnership. 
• With China, the 2003 decision to bring a political approach to the boundary dispute, encouraged a multi-sectoral surge in relations. 

• Indo- Us collaboration: India’s relations with the U.S. also surged, encompassing trade and investment, a civil nuclear deal and a defense relationship.

Relevance of RIC for India :

• Shanghai Cooperation Organization: India is in the SCO, which is driven by Russia and China. 

• Pakistan’s membership of SCO and the potential admission of Iran and Afghanistan heighten the significance of the SCO for India. 

• Shaping the Russia-China dynamics: India can shape the Russia-China dynamics in the central Asian region for the dilution of the Russia-China duopoly. 
• Connectivity projects: The ongoing India-Iran-Russia connectivity projects are important for achieving an effective Indian presence in Central Asia, alongside Russia and China.
• Bridging asymmetries: Working bilaterally and multilaterally with China, even while firmly protecting our interests on the border, in technology and the economy.

• Cooperative order in Indo-Pacific: India’s focus on economic links with the Russian Far East may help persuade Russia that its interests are compatible with India’s interest in diluting Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific.
• National security cannot be outsourced by a fast-tracking partnership with the U.S.
• Autonomy of action: India’s quest for the autonomy of action is based on its geographical realities, global ambitions and not a residual Cold War mindset.