Lead
The Russia-India-China (RIC) dialogue is back in the diplomatic conversation. It has not formally restarted, and no summit is on the horizon, but signals of revival are emerging. Moscow has again pushed for reviving the format, India has responded cautiously but openly, and Beijing has expressed willingness to maintain communication with both partners.
Coverage Comparison
Two outlets have covered these developments, each with a different focus. The South China Morning Post provides a broad analytical view, examining the RIC format's potential revival within a complex regional landscape. The Hindu, quoting Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, emphasizes Beijing's view of China-India relations as cooperative and stable.
Key Claims
Moscow's Push for Revival
The South China Morning Post reports that in 2025, Moscow again pushed for reviving the RIC format. India said any meeting would have to be arranged in a "mutually convenient manner," a cautious but open formula. China said it was willing to maintain communication with Russia and India on trilateral cooperation.
Putin's Praise for Modi and Xi
This month, Russian President Vladimir Putin again spoke about Russia's separate and independent relationships with China and India. According to The Hindu, Putin praised both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating that Russia's partnerships with both India and China grew naturally and are entirely independent of one another. Beijing responded that good ties among the three emerging economies serve regional and global stability.
China-India Relations: Stability and Cooperation
Lin Jian made the remarks at a media briefing in response to a question on Putin's comments. He said that currently, the China-India border situation is generally stable, and the two sides have a smooth communication channel. He stressed that China and India should stick to the perception that the two countries are cooperative partners, not competitors and rivals, and both countries are opportunities for each other's development, not threats.
China's stance on India-Pakistan Differences
Addressing India's concerns over China's close ties with Pakistan, Lin said Beijing supports both India and Pakistan in properly handling their differences through dialogue and consultation, and jointly keeping the region peaceful and stable.
RIC's Historical Context and Current Symbolism
The South China Morning Post notes that RIC's last foreign minister meeting was held virtually in 2021. At the leaders' level, it has not been revived since the Group of 20's summit in 2019, though later informal interactions, for example at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) summit in 2025, show that the triangle still carries political symbolism.
The Regional Landscape: Not a Simple Split
The Post argues that at first glance, today looks like an unlikely moment for revival. China and India are still managing the aftershocks of their border crisis, Russia's confrontation with the West has reshaped its external environment, and the US has tightened Indo-Pacific alliances and partnerships. But the outlet suggests that Asia is not simply splitting into two camps. Instead, the region is being pulled by three overlapping forms of multilateralism, including a US-centred security architecture represented through groupings such as the Quad and Aukus, focused on defence industrial cooperation, critical minerals, technology controls and maritime security partnerships.
Perspectives
The material presents two distinct viewpoints. The Chinese government, through spokesperson Lin Jian, emphasizes the need for "right strategic perception" between China and India, framing their relationship as cooperative and stable, and supports dialogue between India and Pakistan. The South China Morning Post offers an analytical perspective, suggesting that while RIC has not formally revived, its enduring symbolism and the complex regional landscape make it a format deserving attention.