Russia Pushes for RIC Revival Against NATO: What's in it for India?

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov advocated for a new level of Russia-India-China (RIC) relations, emphasizing a multipolar world.
• Lavrov called for reactivating the RIC trilateral dialogue, dormant since the 2020 Galwan Valley standoff.
• He highlighted Russia's 'special and privileged strategic partnership' with India and 'unprecedented' relations with China.
• The BRICS group has expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, with Lavrov noting new centers of economic growth.
• India's benefit from the RIC axis is questioned due to China's alliance with Pakistan and ongoing border disputes, suggesting an open foreign policy is more advantageous.

Why It Matters: Russia seeks to revive the RIC trilateral, but India's benefits are uncertain given China's ties with Pakistan.