What is RELOS? Russia signs key pact with India ahead of Putin’s trip

Russia’s State Duma on Tuesday ratified a crucial military pact with India, just days before President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to New Delhi on December 4-5, marking a significant step forward in bilateral defence cooperation.

The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement, signed on February 18, was submitted for ratification last week by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

“Our relations with India are strategic and comprehensive, and we value them. We understand that today's ratification of the agreement is another step toward reciprocity and, of course, the development of our relations,” Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the State Duma, said during the plenary session.

A note from the Russian Cabinet of Ministers said the pact will allow mutual use of airspace and port access for Indian and Russian warships, strengthening operational coordination and military support between the two nations.

Despite India’s growing defence engagement with the US, Russia remains a long-standing security partner. While Moscow’s closer ties with China and Pakistan have raised concerns in New Delhi, RELOS represents continuity in Indo-Russian defence cooperation, especially at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics.

What is RELOS?

The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support agreement creates a structured administrative framework that enables both militaries to access each other’s bases, ports, and logistics facilities.

These arrangements allow:

• Easier refuelling
• Maintenance support
• Berthing of warships
• Use of aviation facilities
• Rolling settlement of costs instead of repeated paperwork

According to the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), such agreements save “enormous time” and streamline procedures for military assistance.

Why RELOS matters

Defence experts say the Indian Navy stands to gain the most from the agreement. Access to Russian facilities enhances India's operational turnaround, reach, and interoperability during joint missions or emergencies.

A report by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) notes that RELOS could provide India with access to Russian naval ports in the Arctic, boosting the Navy’s operational experience in polar waters.

It further highlights that given the high percentage of Russian-origin platforms in India’s military, the agreement strengthens joint operational readiness “in any hostile situation in the future.” India has long relied on Russian defence systems, from fighter aircraft to submarines.

Mutual access: What Russia gets

Under the reciprocal arrangement, Russian naval ships and aircraft will also be able to access:

• Indian ports
• Indian naval bases
• Airfields for refuelling and logistics

This deepens interoperability during exercises, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief missions.

India already has similar arrangements with United States (LEMOA, 2016), Japan, Australia, France, Singapore, and South Korea