FMs of India, China, Russia discuss key regional, int'l issues

Foreign Ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) today held key talks here to discuss a host of regional and international issues like counter-terrorism, trade and disaster relief.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and his Russian and Chinese counterparts, Sergei Lavrov and Yang Jiechi respectively, attended their 10th trilateral meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.

The three earlier held informal talks over dinner last night.

RIC which was formed with a lot of fanfare is apparently being overshadowed by the Brazil-Russia-India-China (BRIC) grouping, which emerged as an influential international bloc as it consisted some of the fast developing economies of the world.

Besides the strategic issues, RIC ministers focused on matters relating to disaster relief, agriculture and public health, deepening communication among academic, industrial and business circles as well as promoting multilateral cooperation and democratic international relations.
   
The last meeting of the RIC foreign ministers was held in Bangalore in October 2009 during which the three countries discussed a host of issues, including those relating to terrorism, climate change and reducing the impact of global recession.