Russia’s State Duma has formally ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement days before President Vladimir Putin’s December 45 visit to India. The pact marks a significant leap in defence cooperation, enabling streamlined logistics, military deployment flexibility, and enhanced compatibility between both nations’ armed forces.
Russia approves RELOS, marking a strategic shift in defence engagement
The Duma’s approval of the February 18 RELOS pact underscores Moscow’s commitment to broadening its military partnership with New Delhi. The agreement regulates the movement of troops, aircraft, and naval vessels, while establishing a detailed framework for logistical support. Russian officials emphasised that this marks a step toward deeper exchange & long-term cooperation.
What the RELOS pact enables for India–Russia defence operations?
- Opens access to each other’s military bases, ports, and airfields, improving operational reach.
- Allows warships and aircraft to refuel, undergo maintenance, and receive supplies.
- Enhances support for joint military exercises, combat training, and operational deployments.
- Strengthens readiness for humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and emergency evacuations.
- Streamlines coordination for large-scale troop movement, equipment transport, and logistics planning.
- Reduces operational costs by enabling both nations to rely on each other’s infrastructure.
- Boosts long-term interoperability for future multilateral missions and potential security collaborations.
The RELOS pact positions India and Russia for a new phase of defence synergy. As President Putin arrives in New Delhi, both nations stand prepared to reinforce their strategic alignment, expand joint operational capabilities, and strengthen a partnership that remains vital amid evolving global security dynamics.
