A landmark defence agreement between India and Russia has officially come into force, significantly expanding military cooperation between the two nations. Known as the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement, the pact allows both countries to deploy troops, warships, and military aircraft on each other’s territory, including during conflict situations—an arrangement that is considered unprecedented in India’s defence policy framework.
Although the agreement was originally signed in Moscow on February 18, 2025, it was ratified later and came into effect on January 12, 2026. Its details were made public on April 18 through Russia’s official legal portal. The timing of its operationalisation has drawn attention, particularly as the Donald Trump administration has been seen strengthening ties with Pakistan and its army chief, Asim Munir, prompting speculation about shifting geopolitical alignments.
The RELOS pact permits both sides to station up to 3,000 troops, five warships, and 10 military aircraft in each other’s territory simultaneously for an initial period of five years, with provisions for automatic extension upon mutual agreement. It establishes a structured framework for logistical cooperation, including access to military bases, ports, and airfields for refuelling, repairs, maintenance, and operational support during joint exercises, training missions, and humanitarian operations. Importantly, the agreement applies in both peacetime and wartime scenarios.
The pact also provides India with access to strategically important Russian ports along the Northern Sea Route, stretching from Vladivostok to Murmansk. This corridor is particularly valuable for energy logistics, as it can facilitate the transport of liquefied natural gas from Russia’s Yamal Peninsula, supporting India’s efforts to diversify its energy imports amid disruptions in traditional supply routes.
From a strategic perspective, the agreement enhances India’s ability to conduct long-range naval deployments and military exercises in regions such as the Arctic and the Pacific. It also helps address logistical challenges related to maintaining and servicing Russian-origin military equipment, which forms a significant part of India’s defence inventory.
For Russia, the pact offers access to Indian facilities in the Indian Ocean Region, allowing it to extend its operational reach into warmer waters and sustain deployments far from its home bases. This is particularly significant given Russia’s limited presence in the region and its broader efforts to maintain global military relevance despite Western isolation.
Analysts have noted that while the RELOS agreement builds on existing defence cooperation, it goes further than similar arrangements. For instance, India’s logistics agreement with the United States—LEMOA—facilitates mutual access to supplies and services but does not permit the deployment of troops or military assets on each other’s territory in the same manner as RELOS.
The broader geopolitical context adds another layer of significance. As Washington’s engagement with Pakistan deepens and global alliances evolve, the RELOS pact is being viewed by some experts as part of India’s strategy to maintain strategic autonomy while reinforcing long-standing ties with Moscow.
Overall, the operationalisation of the RELOS agreement represents a major step in institutionalising defence cooperation between India and Russia, strengthening interoperability, and enhancing their ability to respond jointly to both military and humanitarian challenges in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
