Ric summit 2025: The world is standing at an intersection today where the steps taken in any direction can shake the global balance. India, which once used to walk firmly on the path called ‘Non -Aligned’, has now gone beyond that period. India of the 21st century is strategically alertly vigilant, military and diplomatically independent and giving a new shape to international relations on its terms. But when the US President Donald Trump is an aggressive, unexpected and considered a global decisive leader, this diplomatic balance becomes critical. Trump’s second term is not only stirring in America’s internal politics, but is also making partner countries like India uncomfortable. Especially when Trump comments by placing India in the same category with China and Pakistan, and also takes credits of decisive military operations such as Operation Sindoor.
RIC rebirth or diplomatic rebellion against America?
Russia’s initiative to revive the RIC (Russia-India-China) group is a step in global politics that the US directly considers ‘pro-China polarization’. But for India, it is not only a matter of increasing proximity to China or Russia, but is a very diplomatic board, in which it seems to be openly challenging America’s ‘Monopoli Diplomacy’. Donald Trump has repeatedly warned India to cancel the S-400 missile system deal from Russia, and keep away from China. But India not only ignored these warnings but also gave a clear message by showing participation again in multilateral initiatives like RIC, “We will run with our strategy, not under pressure from anyone.”
Operation Sindoor and Trump’s ‘unnecessary arbitration’
When there was a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April and India started ‘Operation Sindoor’ in retaliation, the whole world felt India’s decisive military capability. Eliminating more than 100 terrorists by entering the border of Pakistan was not only a strategic master, but also a glimpse of the changing nature of India. But Trump did not take long to throw away this military success. He claimed that if he had not intervened between, there would have been a ‘completely war’ between India and Pakistan. He even said that he forced Modi and Sharif to make peace, threatened to shut down the business, and “explained to both the leaders”. India rejected these claims outright. But this attitude of Trump once again made it clear that America is uncomfortable to accept India as an independent power. In Trump’s words, ‘India is a great friend’, but in his statements, the sense of ‘India must complete’ is repeatedly hidden.
Why is America afraid of BRICS and RIC?
Trump recently made sharp attacks on forums like BRICS and RIC. He clearly stated that if these organizations try to challenge the dollar, they will be “made tariff sauce.” This warning was less and threatening for India. Both Ric and BRICS are trying to create alternative global arrangements against the US domination. These forums give voice to developing countries, advocate multilateralism, and challenge unilateral policies of America. In such a situation, India’s decision to return to RIC was enough to make Washington sleep.
Modi-Putin’s old relationship and ‘controlled proximity’ from China
Putin and Modi have old relations. India-Russia relations were not interested in any single era or government. From BrahMos missiles to nuclear submarines, Russian weapons have always given India a strategic strength. But this time the presence of China in RIC raises questions – is India ready to sit together on one platform as soon as the border tension from China is over? India’s accountability is to keep the US and the quad even and create a diplomatic balance with China. Hence RIC’s revival, even though Russia’s initiative, was not possible without India’s permission.
Fear of ‘Client India’: Why is America restless?
The US fears that if India shows full activeness in RIC, and plays an important role in making BRICs an anti-dollar platform, it will move away from the western pole. India’s military success in Operation Sindoor, the role of Russian weapons, and the introduction of diplomatic dialogue even after stress from China, all these signs are dangerous for the US. Trump’s saying to India that “you can’t play both sides” is like an ultimatum. But India has cleaned it on the policy of ‘multi-alignment’, not on the thinking like ‘or-to-America Ya-To-Rusus’.
Trump’s ‘Close-to-Innergency’ strategy
After winning the election, Trump has put the US foreign policy in an ‘Inspectorncy Mode’. He has pressurized every strategic partner from Türkiye to Iran and India to follow the rules of America. But India has openly challenged this policy. This is the biggest blow for Trump that India, which he made a trophy for himself by “rally with 10 lakh people in the White House, is being discussed for himself, ignoring his own arms deal, discussing weapons like S-500 and BrahMos-2 from Russia.
India’s warning: no compromise with sovereignty
India has made it clear that America had no role in Operation Sindoor, and Trump’s claim that he stopped the war is completely false and derogatory. India not only wants to take credit for its military actions itself, but also wants countries like America to respect its sovereignty and decisions. The decision to return to RIC is not just a diplomatic balance, but a big strategic signal is no longer believed in ‘pressure politics’, whether it is from America or China.
A new India, which is no longer a puppet of anyone
Today’s India has changed. Now he does not compromise his strategic priorities to become America’s ‘favorite nation’. After Trump became President again, India has made its foreign policy more independent and decisive. RIC’s return is the greatest proof of that and that is why Washington is now angry with India because now India neither mixes yes in yes, nor remains silent on his point. “Modi said- India wants friendship, not slavery. And listen to Trump, this is 2025, not 1947!
