Lavrov Says India-China Tensions Eased, Calls for Revival of Russia-India-China Trilateral

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Monday that tensions between India and China have “significantly” reduced, raising hopes for the resumption of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral framework.

Speaking at the “Forum of the Future-2050” in Moscow, Lavrov expressed optimism about reviving the RIC mechanism, which he believes could pave the way for broader pan-Eurasian collaboration and a multi-polar global order.

Lavrov said, “I really hope that we will be able to restore the work of the Russia-India-China trio. We have not met at the level of foreign ministers for the last couple of years, but we are discussing this issue with my Chinese colleague and with the Indian head of the External Affairs department.”

He added, “I really hope that now that the tension has eased, in my opinion, has eased significantly on the border between India and China, and the situation is stabilising, there is a dialogue between New Delhi and Beijing, we will be able to resume the work of this Russia-India-China trio.”

RIC Format and Its Strategic Potential

The RIC format, which has remained inactive in recent years, particularly after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese forces, holds potential for enhancing regional cooperation.

Lavrov underlined the importance of Russia and China in contributing actively to pan-continental integration.

“This will also be a very important step forward in the movement of continental processes,” Lavrov said, referring to the possibility of the RIC format fostering a multi-polar global structure.

Forum of the Future-2050: A Geopolitical Think Space

Lavrov’s remarks came during the “Forum of the Future-2050,” a two-day event held in Moscow that explores emerging global political dynamics.

The forum is inspired by Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin, who is frequently described as a central ideological influence on President Vladimir Putin.

Among the participants is Erol Musk, the father of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, drawing further global interest to the gathering.

India-China Diplomatic Engagements Resume

Lavrov’s statements come at a time when India and China have restarted diplomatic engagement. Recently, Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat met with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in Beijing.

This meeting marked the first formal diplomatic interaction between the two nations following India’s Operation Sindoor.

Operation Sindoor was launched by India in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals.

The retaliatory actions included strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. These operations triggered four days of cross-border exchanges, which ended on May 10 after discussions between the directors general of military operations from both sides.

Lavrov on India-Pakistan Relations

In addition to commenting on India-China relations, Lavrov also addressed the current state of India-Pakistan ties. He emphasized the importance of direct dialogue as a path to building trust between the two countries.

A Pakistani delegation visiting Russia last week delivered a letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to President Vladimir Putin, signaling Islamabad’s aim to expand diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow.

A Renewed Push for RIC Diplomacy

Lavrov reiterated the significance of restoring the RIC troika, calling it a foundational step in advancing continental processes and shaping a multi-polar world.

“We have not met at the level of foreign ministers for the last couple of years,” Lavrov said. “But we are discussing this issue with my Chinese colleague and with the Indian head of the External Affairs department.”

Lavrov noted that the recent de-escalation along the India-China border and ongoing dialogue between New Delhi and Beijing create favorable conditions for reviving RIC meetings.

Looking Ahead

With signs of stabilization in India-China relations and renewed diplomatic efforts between regional powers, Lavrov’s call for restoring the RIC platform signals a potential shift towards greater trilateral cooperation.

The emphasis on multi-polarity and pan-Eurasian dialogue suggests a long-term vision aimed at balancing global power structures.

The presence of ideological figures like Alexander Dugin and influential attendees such as Erol Musk at the “Forum of the Future-2050” further underscores the geopolitical significance of Lavrov’s message and Russia’s intent to shape the regional and global discourse in the coming decades.