Photo: VCG

Recently, international discussions on reviving trilateral cooperation among China, Russia and India have increased. In response to these discussions, the Chinese side has reiterated that China-Russia-India cooperation not only serves the respective interests of our three countries, but also helps uphold peace, security, stability and progress in the region and in the world. China stands ready to maintain communication with Russia and India on advancing the trilateral cooperation.

Wang Shida, executive director of the Institute of South Asian Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, believes it is time to restore the China-Russia-India trilateral cooperation mechanism. In fact, a basic framework for trilateral cooperation had already taken shape in the past. In 1998, then-Russian prime minister Yevgeny Primakov broached the idea of a "Russia-China-India triangle" during a visit to India. In 2002, the foreign ministers of the three countries held their first informal meeting and agreed to establish a dialogue mechanism. By 2007, the dialogue was upgraded to a formal annual meeting mechanism, and the three countries have held several trilateral summits.

Zhang Hong, a research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, notes that compared to when the trilateral dialogue mechanism was first launched over 20 years ago, all three countries have significantly advanced in global GDP rankings and greatly enhanced their international influence. China, Russia and India are key members of major multilateral platforms, such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Their coordination has grown stronger in amplifying the "strong voice" of the Global South. Meanwhile, they have demonstrated similar stances and demands on various issues, including tackling climate change and defending the multilateral trade system. Reviving and strengthening China-Russia-India trilateral cooperation would not only support each country's development but also enable them to better coordinate their positions on regional and global affairs - thereby achieving the synergistic effect of "1+1+1>3."

Zhao Pei, associate research fellow at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Shanghai International Studies University, emphasizes that as three major developing countries with large populations and relatively strong comprehensive national strength, China, Russia and India should contribute their wisdom and strength. The restoration and strengthening of such trilateral cooperation mechanism will help enhance the international voice of Global South countries. It will also be a positive practice in breaking the monopoly that a few countries hold over international affairs, while also complementing and improving the current international order.