China, India Inch Closer Amid Emerging Ideas of RIC Revival

China and India have discussed trade and border issues as their foreign ministers met in Delhi after five years. The recent regional engagements have already sparked the debate on revival of RIC (Russian-India-China) bloc.

The development raised questions about where Pakistan will stand, though the Field Marshal Asim Munir has already tried to explain Islamabad’s stance on China-Pakistan-US relations.

In his first interview to media, the Chief of Army Staff expressed confidence in maintaining equilibrium between the US and China. “We will not sacrifice one friend for the other,” he told Sohail Warraich.

The situation is also tricky for China and Russia. Beijing is eager for a trade deal after its initial success in June and Russia’s Putin is drawing President Donald Trump closer.

Meeting:

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in India on Monday, two weeks ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to China. PM Modi will attend 2025 Tianjin SCO Summit (August 31-Septmeber 01). Wang Yi visit will conclude on Wednesday.

Foreign ministers of the two neighbours last met formally in 2020. Deadly clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Galwan valley led to the complete breakdown of ties between them. Clashes lasted for eight months- from June 2020 to Jan 2021.

A recent chill between India and US ties, following Washington imposition of heavy tariff and President Trump administration warning to Delhi against purchasing oil from Moscow, has brought India and China closer. The neighbours have history of fluctuated relations since 1960s.

Trump-situation has put Modi, the three-time PM who is widely seen as a populist leader, in real trouble. The man who has history of receiving warm embrace from Washington now faces heat even at home. His political opponents mention his earlier rhetoric on China and the US.

Amid the situation, his top cabinet members rushed to Beijing and Moscow. Some Indian analysts, assessing the shifting dynamics, have hinted revival of RIC — the Russia-India-China bloc.

Statement:

The foreign ministry has issued a statement following talks between Indian FM Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Wang Yi.

“Exchanges and dialogue at all levels between both countries had been gradually restored. Bilateral relations are returning to cooperation,” Chinese readout quoted Yi as saying.

Both countries should establish correct strategic understanding and regard each other as partners, not rivals.

Beijing, it said, is ready to uphold the principle of cordiality, mutual benefit with Delhi. The foreign ministers discussed border peace and pilgrimage aiming to strengthen cooperation.

Indian FM said: “We had productive conversations on our economic and trade issues. We discussed people-to-people contacts, river data sharing and other issues.”