In a significant strategic development, Russia has formally ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement with India. This pivotal military logistics pact establishes a framework for the armed forces of both nations to seamlessly utilize each other's military infrastructure.
What the RELOS Agreement Entails
The ratified pact grants the Indian and Russian militaries full access to each other's naval bases, ports, and airfields for essential support operations. This includes refuelling, repairs, resupply of provisions, transportation of personnel and equipment, and general mission support. The agreement is designed to facilitate a wide range of joint activities.
The scope of the agreement covers:
- Joint military exercises and training missions.
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
- Other scenarios mutually agreed upon by the two countries, leaving the door open for expanded future cooperation.
Strategic Timing and Implications
The timing of the ratification is highly strategic, coming just before Russian President Vladimir Putin's scheduled visit to New Delhi on December 4-5, 2025. Russian officials have hailed the deal as a major milestone in deepening the "strategic and comprehensive" partnership between Moscow and New Delhi.
This agreement dramatically enhances India's strategic reach and operational flexibility. It provides the Indian military with long-term and frictionless access to Russia's vast network of military facilities, which span a significant geographical expanse. Analysts view this as a move that recalibrates power equations across South Asia, strengthening India's global military footprint.
A Shift in Regional Dynamics
The development is expected to have considerable ripple effects in the region. While India secures a concrete, long-term logistics partnership with Russia, the move highlights the contrasting positions of neighbouring nations. The report suggests that Pakistan, in comparison, continues to navigate relationships with allies whose support may be less certain.
By solidifying this military logistics corridor, the RELOS pact not only reinforces the enduring India-Russia defence relationship but also marks a new chapter in strategic interoperability. It ensures that both nations can support extended operations and respond more effectively to shared security interests, from the Indian Ocean region to the Eurasian landmass.
