Amid speculation about a possible meeting between Russia, India, and China under the Russia-India-China (RIC) format, news agency ANI, citing sources, clarified that no such meeting has been finalised. They added that not only has a date not been set, but there are also no ongoing discussions.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained the purpose of the RIC platform. “This consultative format is a mechanism where the three countries come and discuss global issues and regional issues of interest to them,” Jaiswal said.

However, he pointed out that any meeting will only happen after the three countries agree on a date and time that suits all of them. “As to when this particular RIC format meeting is going to be held, it is something that will be worked out among the three countries in a mutually convenient manner, and we will let you know as and when that happens at an appropriate time,” he added.

INDIA-RUSSIA SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN DELHI

Jaiswal also shared an update on the upcoming India-Russia annual summit. He said that the last summit took place in Moscow, and now it is India’s turn to host. The dates for the event will be decided based on the convenience of both countries.

“India-Russia summit is important. Last annual summit was held in Moscow. It is time for us to host the summit in Delhi, and the dates will be worked out between both sides, keeping in mind what is mutually convenient to both countries,” Jaiswal said.

He also touched upon India’s engagement with China, following a meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Jaiswal noted that the concerns raised by Indian industry during these talks are well known. As for the next Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, Jaiswal said it is still some months away. “Participation by countries are finalized as per the mutual convenience, and we will let you know at the appropriate time,” he said.

CHINA SUPPORTS TRILATERAL COOPERATION

Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spoke positively on the idea of RIC cooperation. It said such a partnership is good not just for the three countries but also for global peace and development. “China-Russia-India cooperation benefits all three countries, and regional and global peace, security, stability and progress. China stands ready to maintain communication with Russia and India on advancing the trilateral cooperation,” the statement read.

The RIC was formed in the late 1990s and was initiated by Russian leader Yevgeny Primakov. Together, Russia, India, and China cover more than 19% of the Earth’s land area, making it a significant strategic partnership, if active.

At this stage, though, no official meeting is being planned, and any further developments will depend on discussions between the three countries.

– Ends

With inputs from ANI

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