Context
India and Russia have concluded a Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement after President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. The pact formalises military logistics cooperation and aligns with India’s Arctic interests and Indo-Pacific strategy, while sustaining the India–Russia defence partnership.
What RELOS Provides
• Mutual logistics support for armed forces.
• Access to ports, airfields, refuelling, repairs, maintenance and supplies.
• Applicable during exercises, training, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and other agreed situations.
Strategic Significance
- Extends India’s operational military reach beyond its immediate region.
- Facilitates India’s Arctic engagement amid emerging routes and resources.
- Supports India’s Indo-Pacific operations using Russian infrastructure.
- Enables reciprocal access for Russian forces to Indian facilities.
- Institutionalises India–Russia defence cooperation in a rules-based manner.
