The India–Russia RELOS Agreement (Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement) is a bilateral defence logistics pact between India and Russia that enables mutual access to military facilities, including airbases, for logistical support and cooperation.[1][2] The agreement was signed in Moscow on February 18, 2025.[3] Russian President Vladimir Putin signed it into federal law on December 15, 2025.[4]
Background[edit | edit source]
India and Russia have maintained longstanding defence relations, with cooperation spanning arms procurement, joint exercises, and strategic coordination.[1] The RELOS agreement emerged as part of ongoing efforts to expand bilateral military interoperability and logistical coordination.[5]
According to analysts, such agreements are typically designed to facilitate refuelling, maintenance, and support for military assets operating in each other's territories, thereby improving operational reach and efficiency.[5]
Agreement[edit | edit source]
Under the RELOS agreement, India and Russia can use each other's military bases and other infrastructure for logistical purposes, such as airbases.[2][1] According to reports, the pact also permits the temporary presence of military personnel from both countries, with a limit of up to 3,000 troops on each side under agreed conditions.[6] Russian political scientist and First Deputy Chairman of the International Affairs Committee, Vyacheslav Nikonov, has further specified that the agreement is valid for an initial period of five years and can be extended for another five years by mutual consent.[7]
The agreement was finalised ahead of a planned visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicating continued high-level defence engagement between the two countries.[1]
Strategic significance[edit | edit source]
Analysts have offered differing views on the significance of the agreement. Some analysts view the agreement as strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries, while others see it mainly as formalising arrangements that were already in place.[5]
It is expected to make it easier for both sides to support joint exercises and related military activities, and is seen as part of their continuing defence relationship.[5][2]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 ""We Value Our Ties": Russia Okays Key Defence Pact With India Ahead Of Putin's Visit". NDTV. Retrieved 3 December 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "RELOS: India agrees to open its airbases to Russia in new military aviation pact". Aerospace Global News. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ↑ "The State Duma ratified the Agreement on Procedure for Dispatching Military Troops, Ships, and Aircraft of Russia and India to Each Other's Territories". State Duma of the Russian Federation. 2 December 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ↑ "Federal Law On Ratification of the Russia-India Agreement". President of Russia. 15 December 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "India-Russia RELOS agreement: A Strategic Pact or a Technical Formality?". www.orfonline.org. Observer Research Foundation. Retrieved 11 February 2026.
- ↑ "Russia, India formalise defence pact to station up to 3,000 troops in each other's territory". The Statesman (India). Retrieved 18 April 2026.
- ↑ "India, Russia ink pact to station 3,000 troops, warships and aircraft in each other's territory". The Economic Times. 19 April 2026. Retrieved 22 April 2026.