Lavrov Says Russia, India, China Working on Troika FM-Level Meeting

Since India and China began easing tensions, Russia has been consistently advocating for revival of the RIC troika meetings.

The Wire Staff

Since India and China began easing tensions, Russia has been consistently advocating for revival of the RIC troika meetings.

lavrov says russia india china working on troika fm level meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin, from left, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: AP/PTI

New Delhi: Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said on Sunday (September 7) that Moscow, Beijing, and New Delhi are working on setting up a new troika meeting at the level of foreign ministers, even as India maintains that no discussions have taken place.

Lavrov’s remarks came during an interview on a television programme, when he was asked about the significance of the “triple handshake” between Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin on Sep 1.

“The handshake is to show that three great powers representing three great civilisations are aware of their shared interests in a number of areas. It does not mean that these interests are 100-percent the same, but China, Russia, and India clearly have everything they need to promote partnership and to derive mutual benefits from the areas where our interests overlap,” Lavrov said.

He added that these shared interests include expanding their economies, addressing social challenges, and improving people’s well-being. According to Lavrov, such priorities fit into the broader RIC framework originally envisioned by former Russian foreign minister Yevgeny Primakov in the mid-1990s.

“Since then, it has effectively taken shape, and has held many meetings. We are in the process of putting together another troika format at the level of foreign ministers. I am certain that we will consider convening a special summit on a later occasion,” Lavrov said.

Asked about Lavrov’s comments, the Ministry of External Affairs referred back to a statement made at a media briefing last month. “On RIC, no discussions have been held on this matter,” MEA spokesperson had said on Aug 14.

Since India and China began easing tensions, Russia has been consistently advocating for revival of the RIC troika meetings. The format has seen periodic consultations in the past but has struggled to gain momentum, particularly due to India-China frictions. The last meeting of RIC foreign ministers took place virtually in 2021.

This article went live on September ninth, two thousand twenty five, at forty-six minutes past eight in the morning.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.