The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement lays down a detailed framework regulating the movement and operations of military formations, naval vessels, and military aircraft between India and Russia. It also outlines the mechanisms through which both countries will extend logistical assistance to each other’s armed forces when operating in one another’s territory.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin formally signed the agreement into federal law, giving legal effect to a significant military cooperation pact between Russia and India. According to the Kremlin chancery, the agreement had already received approval earlier this month from both chambers of the Russian parliament, thereby completing the legislative scrutiny required before presidential assent.
As reported by news agency PTI, the RELOS agreement was first ratified by the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, on December 2. This was followed by its approval by the Federation Council, the upper house, on December 8. After receiving clearance from both parliamentary bodies, the agreement was forwarded to the president for final endorsement, marking the completion of Russia’s internal legislative procedure.
The core objective of the RELOS agreement is to establish standardised procedures for the deployment and movement of military personnel, equipment, warships, and aircraft between the two countries. It also sets out the terms under which logistical support—such as supplies, services, and operational assistance—will be provided to visiting forces.
According to an explanatory note prepared by the Russian Cabinet of Ministers, the agreement is intended to comprehensively regulate not only the dispatch of troops and military assets but also the logistical arrangements required to support such deployments. This includes various forms of operational and support services that may be necessary when the armed forces of either country are present on the other’s territory.
The framework created under the agreement is designed to be applied during joint military exercises and training programmes conducted by India and Russia. In addition, it may be utilised during humanitarian assistance missions and disaster relief operations. The agreement also allows for its provisions to be extended to other situations, provided both sides mutually agree to do so.
In a note published on the official website of the State Duma, the Russian Cabinet of Ministers stated that ratifying the agreement would make it easier for military aircraft from both countries to use each other’s airspace. It also highlighted provisions related to port access, noting that warships from India and Russia would be able to make port calls under simplified and clearly defined procedures.
The Cabinet further observed that the agreement is expected to play a key role in enhancing and deepening military cooperation between the two countries, reinforcing their long-standing strategic partnership in the defence sector.
Although the agreement has now been signed by President Putin, it will come into force only after India and Russia formally exchange the instruments of ratification. This exchange is a necessary legal step to finalise the process on both sides and make the agreement operational.
The signing of the RELOS agreement follows President Putin’s two-day state visit to India, which began on December 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed the Russian President upon his arrival, after which the two leaders travelled together for an informal interaction.
Formal bilateral talks between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi were held the following day and lasted for more than two hours. After the discussions, both sides agreed to approve a long-term programme of economic cooperation extending up to the year 2030, further underscoring the broad scope of the India–Russia strategic relationship.
