As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India for a two-day state visit, the India–Russia defence partnership has received a major boost. Ahead of the visit, Russia’s State Duma ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement—originally signed in Moscow on February 18, 2025.
This ratification, completed just before Putin landed in New Delhi, reinforces the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations and strengthens the foundation for deeper military cooperation.
What Is the RELOS Agreement?
RELOS is a bilateral military logistics pact that defines the procedures for:
- Dispatching military units
- Conducting port calls by naval vessels
- Using airspace and airfield infrastructure
- Providing supplies, maintenance, and refuelling
- Supporting each other’s forces during exercises, operations, and humanitarian missions
The agreement essentially ensures that Indian and Russian military platforms—ships, aircraft, and personnel—can access each other’s bases for logistics support, simplifying operations across regions.
A Pact Based on Reciprocity and Openness
State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that the ratification represents “another step towards reciprocity, openness, and the development of relations” with India.
How RELOS Facilitates Joint Military Operations
The agreement enhances interoperability by removing logistical hurdles. It enables:
- Faster refuelling and replenishment
- Simplified port access and maintenance
- Seamless coordination during joint exercises
- Smooth execution of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations
This streamlined support significantly boosts the operational readiness of both militaries.
Strategic Benefits for Both Nations
Benefits for India
- Extended Naval Reach: RELOS grants Indian naval ships access to Russian ports, including those along the Northern Sea Route from Vladivostok to Murmansk.
- Arctic Presence: India gains operational exposure in the Arctic and polar waters—a region where it currently has limited military experience.
- Support for Arctic Strategy: This access complements India’s scientific missions and maritime ambitions in the region.
Benefits for Russia
- Access to Indian Ocean Region (IOR): Russia will receive reciprocal access to Indian naval bases, strengthening its strategic reach in the IOR.
- Closer Operational Ties: Enhanced cooperation with the Indian Navy improves Russia’s ability to operate in warm-water regions.
Geopolitical Significance
The RELOS agreement effectively creates a logistics network stretching from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean. This strengthens military interoperability and deepens the strategic partnership at a time when global geopolitics are becoming increasingly complex and competitive.
Conclusion: A Win-Win Strategic Framework
The RELOS pact enhances India’s operational reach while providing Russia greater access to the Indian Ocean. By enabling seamless logistical coordination during both routine and crisis situations, RELOS underscores the enduring value of India–Russia defence cooperation.
In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, this agreement stands as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral military ties.
