Following the 13th Russia-India-China (RIC) summit held this year on Jan 2 in Beijing, there are strong chances for the three countries joining hands to foster the growth of domestic markets, global economic growth and regional/global peace and stability as well.
Despite reports of territorial disputes between these countries, they continue to have mutual respect for each other. Representatives of the three countries have in fact come together several times in the past to talk about matters pertaining to global economy and peace. These include the meetings held in:
2009 – economic matters were discussed by the three countries
2010 – talks pertaining to industry, relief, disaster prevention, agriculture and public health in these countries were carried out.
2012 – regional stability, security and peace were called for by the countries to benefit each other.
2013- similar issues were discussed with the possibility of the RIC becoming a common platform for all three countries.
It can be noted that despite these meetings, the three countries have yet to opt for a written statement acknowledging these talks and agreements. Experts are hopeful that this year’s RIC meet would pave the way for the same. In fact, the frequent visits undertaken by China’s President Xi Jinping to over four countries in Central Asia (including India and Pakistan) has strongly indicated at the formation of a strategic alliance between India, Russia and China.
With China’s interest in India deepening, Russia stepped up on its alliance policies with the latter to create a three way triangle in which none of the countries would be able to play each off against each other.
It can be noted that post the advent of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Russia had increased its willingness to create an alliance with India, possibly one which would help it enjoy a deeper leadership role. In a clear anticipation of this move, Beijing limited its talks with these countries to only ‘constructive participation’ and ‘constructive interaction.’ It was only in 2013 that it chose to remove this clause from future agreements.
India’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization would most likely allow the country to act as a peacemaker and sort out regional issues in Asia, including Afghanistan. The first round of talks held in 2009 centered on creating a prosperous Afghanistan with equal aid and contribution from all three countries. 2010 saw India, Russia and China come together to tackle issues like drug trafficking in the regions surrounding Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.
Things are looking up for India, Russia and China after 13 years of talks, hard work and cooperation. However, the diplomatic relations between the countries are still considered as ticking time bombs which need to be carefully stepped over in order to realize these goals.
Summary
China may join hands with Russia and India to forge an alliance aimed at fostering peace, economic growth and religious stability in the Central Asia region. However, the countries would need to work on the alliance in such a way that the diplomatic relations they have with each other don’t get strained in the process.
