Operation 'Counter Trump' should start in a phased and systematic manner : RIC and BRICS ... their relevance :: "Better than they sound"

Donald  Trump has done a favor.

The new challenging situation has opened avenues for greater cooperation between BRICS and especially the RIC countries that is Russia, India and China.

In more ways than one Russia can become a crucial "bridge" between two Asian giants and rivals - China and India.

Of course, Moscow has strong relations with both. The RIC has a special power of influence as a formation. It forms the core of BRICS as well as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

India is today more than just Indo Pacific. It is a key but not only a maritime power - as is often made out. The Modi Govt has shown the appetite that India is also a continental power. Operation Sindoor was a key signal at the larger global stage.

For their part, India along with two communist friends Russia and China occupy over 19 percent of the global landmass.

Indian position is 'weak' on the face value as compared to Russia and China. But there are some plus points too. Indian economy has a special resilience power due to the market force. RIC contributes to over 33 percent of global GDP. 

All three are nuclear powers. Due to the historical differences; New Delhi and Beijing may not be best of friends in the comity of nations. But what binds the RIC and also BRICS as units together is the now strong partnership between Beijing and Moscow.

Moreover, the relations between Moscow and New Delhi have been made stronger over the last few years.

It is understood that China dominates the global rare earth mineral market but it still dependent on India's high-quality mica. Beijing cannot ignore the reality that Mica is essential for electronics and defence equipment.

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd), who commanded Eastern army Command and also South Western and Central Command; underscores that:

"China faces substantial international challenges providing some strategic potential opening for India". 

The gist is China would need friends like Russia and India.

"Aggressive wolf warrior diplomacy has tarnished Chinese image globally. Very few countries trust China in this era of flux. China has also alienated its friends and strategic partners raising doubts about the Belt and Road initiatives,"  says General Abhay Krishna. 

When I grill him further on various facets of diplomacy in the entire game. The retired commander says;

"If the cards are played well... India can position itself as an indispensable partner in ensuring safe Chinese trade flow through Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea".   

Narendra Modi  understands well India's weaknesses and also the strengths.  

Trump may be ignorant about the woos. There are certain 'advantages' for Namo.

India under him with a good economic graph is being "wooed" by the bigger powers Russia, Germany, France and China. 

At the same time, India enjoys a different status amongst the smaller powers in East Asia to 

The RIC unity will be therefore a reflection of a new  status. 

Moreover, for Vladimir Putin, the RIC signals to America and other western powers he still has 'friends' like India and China. 

On another plane China finds that the RIC provides a platform where it can push its interests in Eurasia. Thus the time ha come for New Delhi to assert that focusing on I2U2 (Israel, India, US and UAE) and Quad would essentially make India only an Indo Pacific player.

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) 

But experts like Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) also says that there is need for a fine balance.

"I will cite this example. China in the past opposed designating Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Lately it did not like to mention anything about the tragedy of Pahalgam and Pakistan's involvement in the SCO meet.  Recognisng this duality of China is important," he says adding, therefore New Delhi must adopt pragmatic diplomacy.

Dwelling further he says:  "India must carefully balance cooperation with strategic autonomy and also engage China behind doors for bilateral talks on issues of differences and mutual concern". 

Now comes another interesting feature of issues vis-a-vis RIC and especially about China and India.

Of course both these Asian giants - India and China - have issues to disagree on a number of security issues;  there are also areas where their interest should converge - Afghanistan for example. 

So; why can't India and China work together alongside Russia in the new world order work ensure stability and  peace in Afghanistan and by extension, in Central Asia ? 

RIC does make a greater sense as a basis for a new economic structure. The US, under President Trump, wants to break down the current economic and political order. 

RIC can play a role in the volatile situation in the West Asia, particularly on issues like the sanctions on Iran.  

Now on BRICS Plus

The  “BRICS+” obviously is a major geopolitical and geo-economic force. The bloc already boasts about 45 percent of the world’s population.

BRICS may have production of 30 percent of oil. 

Thus time has also come to show Trump the real power of this block. 

In fact, the formation's expansion is a defining moment and the NATO bloc cannot underestimate it. 

Original BRICS coalition— Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa —have already welcomed into their fold Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

In January 2025, Indonesia became the bloc’s tenth member. Nine other nations have been officially designated as “partner countries".

So, Trump's hegemony is only a self-defeating tool in this era. 

ends