What's Brewing Between Russia, India, and China? Insights from Sergei Lavrov

Strengthening Ties Among Major Powers

Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Sunday that Russia, India, and China recognize their shared interests across various sectors, indicating a clear trend towards enhancing their collaborative efforts.

Lavrov's comments came in light of the recent camaraderie exhibited by the leaders of these nations during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Tianjin, China, last week.

The notable moment of unity among Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit captured significant media attention.

This display even led U.S. President Donald Trump to express his concerns on social media about the perceived shift of India and Russia towards China.

Lavrov emphasized in an interview with Russian State TV that this interaction illustrates how three influential nations, representing distinct civilizations, are cognizant of their mutual interests in several domains.

He clarified that while there are differences, there is a growing inclination for China, Russia, and India to cultivate their partnership, focusing on areas where they share common goals.

The foreign minister pointed out that their shared interests encompass economic development, addressing social challenges, and enhancing the living standards of their citizens.

Although the SCO summit primarily aimed to foster deeper security and economic ties among member states, the public display of friendship among Modi, Putin, and Xi drew considerable attention, signaling a potential alignment among these leading powers.

A viral video showcased Modi and Putin walking hand in hand towards Xi, followed by the three leaders forming a close circle, which resonated widely on social media.

Trump's remarks regarding the loss of India to China surfaced amid deteriorating relations between New Delhi and Washington, particularly after the U.S. president imposed steep tariffs on Indian imports, including a hefty 25% additional duty on India's acquisition of Russian oil.

In a related note, a prominent expert has dismissed the likelihood of a tightly-knit Russia-India-China dialogue.

Dr. Aleksi Maslov, Director of the Africa-Asia Institute at Moscow University, noted during a segment on VestiFM's 'The Asian Casket' that India, as a significant democracy in Asia, operates differently from European nations and has its unique decision-making processes.

He expressed the belief that interactions among the three countries will evolve more profoundly on a bilateral level.