Can Russia, India, and China Rewrite Global Rules? A New Axis of Influence Emerges

The Russian, Indian and Chinese Leaders (image source)

As global dynamics shift amid economic upheavals and changing alliances, a new trilateral partnership is quietly gaining momentum: the Russia–India–China (RIC) format. Renewed calls for cooperation among these regional powerhouses are stimulating discussions on their capacity to reshape global governance, trade norms, and security frameworks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has recently advocated for a revival of the RIC format, which was originally proposed by Yevgeny Primakov in the late 1990s. The intent behind this initiative is to provide a counterbalance to Western dominance and push for a multipolar world order. This renewed attempt signals a recognition of the need for collaboration among these influential nations in an increasingly polarized world.

“RIC offers a space for structured dialogue on shared concerns—without the constraints of bloc politics,” explained Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs. This sentiment highlights a belief that a collective approach can yield solutions to pressing issues while avoiding the rigidity often seen in other international partnerships.

India’s engagement with RIC reflects its broader strategic autonomy doctrine, which seeks to balance relations with Western allies, notably through the Quad, and Eastern counterparts via platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). For China, the RIC format serves as a hedge against the increasing economic pressures from the U.S., especially in light of escalating tariffs. Meanwhile, Russia sees the partnership as a vital diplomatic lifeline amid growing isolation from Western nations.

The recent SCO summit in Tianjin highlighted the burgeoning camaraderie among the leaders of India, Russia, and China. Images of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaging warmly circulated widely on social media. Modi’s friendly gestures with both leaders were interpreted as more than just symbolic; they hinted at potential realignments in geopolitical strategies. “Trump’s tariffs mark the inflection point for the birth of a new world order,” noted Lt Gen Satish Dua (ret.), emphasizing how economic pressures are spurring nations to reconsider their alliances and policy directions. India’s persistent oil imports from Russia and its defiance against U.S. trade pressures illustrate its shift toward multipolar diplomacy.

Former Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao encapsulated this sentiment, stating: “India is a titan in chrysalis—too large and ambitious to bind itself to any single great power.” This assertion reflects India’s desire to carve out an independent role on the global stage, untethered from any one power's influence.

As RIC strengthens its framework, the implications for global governance could be profound. Each country brings distinct strengths: Russia's vast resources, India’s burgeoning market, and China’s manufacturing prowess. Together, they could leverage these assets to influence international policies and create alternative trade routes and security alliances. The potential for RIC to affect global governance also extends to areas such as climate change, technology standards, and cultural exchanges. Their collective voice could amplify demands for a more equitable distribution of power in international institutions that currently favor Western hegemony.

The emergence of a robust RIC alliance suggests that the world may be moving toward a more multipolar era. This shift poses questions about the future of existing alliances such as NATO and the effectiveness of traditional power structures. The ongoing collaboration among these three nations could inspire other countries to seek similar alignments based on shared interests rather than rigid ideological lines. However, challenges remain. Historical rivalries, differing political systems, and conflicting national interests could hinder the progress of the RIC alliance. Balancing these diverse perspectives will be crucial for maintaining unity and achieving common goals.

The revival of the Russia–India–China format marks a significant turning point in global diplomacy. As these three nations seek to redefine their roles on the world stage, they could potentially reshape global rules governing trade, security, and governance—ushering in a new era of international relations. The path ahead will require careful navigation of complex dynamics, but if successful, RIC may play a pivotal role in forming a more balanced and multipolar world.