Moscow/New Delhi: In a significant development ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival in India, the State Duma—Russia’s lower house of Parliament—has approved a crucial defence cooperation pact with New Delhi. The decision, taken on December 3, comes just a day before Putin’s scheduled visit on December 4.
RELOS Agreement Gains Momentum
The approved pact relates to the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement, originally signed by India and Russia on October 18, 2025. Once ratified by both countries, it will allow reciprocal military deployment and logistical cooperation on each other’s territory.
Under the agreement, India may host up to five Russian warships, ten military aircraft, and 3,000 personnel for a five-year period, extendable by another five years. In return, India will receive similar rights to deploy its military assets and personnel on Russian soil. The RELOS framework also facilitates naval access to ports, use of airbases, and agreed-upon regulations governing the movement and stationing of military forces.
Moscow Describes Ties as Strategic and Comprehensive
State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin stated that the approval reflects the enduring strength of India–Russia relations.
“By ratifying this agreement, we reaffirm our shared understanding, openness, and commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation,” he said. He added that the pact underscores the longstanding strategic bond between the two nations.
Strengthening India’s Position Amid China’s Rise
Defence experts believe the pact will considerably enhance India’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the context of China’s growing influence. Analyst Jai Singh noted that the Indian Navy is working to expand multi-mission operations, with 12 to 15 warships regularly deployed across the Indo-Pacific to secure vital sea lanes. Such operations demand dependable logistical support, making access to friendly ports critical.
Warships are essential not only for maritime security but also for humanitarian and disaster-relief operations. Since deploying a dedicated logistics vessel with every mission is impractical, India’s expanding network of logistics agreements—including RELOS with Russia—greatly strengthens its global naval reach.
Key Advantages for the Indian Army
The agreement will also benefit the Indian Army, which relies heavily on Russian-built equipment. Nearly 70% of India’s military inventory—ranging from Sukhoi fighter jets and T-90 tanks to the S-400 air-defence system—is of Russian origin. Integration with Russia’s logistics network is expected to boost India’s operational readiness and streamline maintenance.
A Strategic Opening for Russia
For Russia, which remains diplomatically and economically constrained due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the pact offers an opportunity to expand its global footprint. The RELOS agreement will enable Moscow to strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean, while India gains enhanced access to the Arctic region.
Analysts believe the deal allows Russia to reassert its strategic relevance in Asia, providing a counterweight to China’s growing engagement in the Indian Ocean.
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