RELOS Agreement Cleared: India–Russia Armies Can Use Each Other’s Bases
Moscow (The Uttam Hindu): Just before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to India on December 4–5, a major and historic shift has taken place in the defence ties between the two countries. Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, on Tuesday formally approved the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement with India. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin had sent the proposal to parliament last week. This approval is being seen as an important strategic development that will make logistics cooperation more structured and deeper between both nations.
With the agreement now set to become operational, the armed forces of India and Russia will be able to use each other’s military bases and facilities without restrictions. Under the terms, both countries can legally deploy troops and military equipment on each other’s territory. The new provisions allow deployment of five warships, ten military aircraft, and up to 3,000 troops for a period of five years, which can be extended with mutual consent. In addition, warships and aircraft of both nations will be able to use each other’s ports and airbases for refuelling, repairs, and logistical support. These facilities will be available not only during wartime but also for joint military exercises, humanitarian missions, and disaster-relief operations.
State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin emphasised the importance of India-Russia relations, calling them time-tested and fully strategic. He said that the approval of this agreement is another step toward equality and will further strengthen bilateral ties. Deputy Chairman of the International Affairs Committee Vyacheslav Nikonov described India as a major geopolitical power and said that this agreement will deepen trust between the two nations.
Along with the military pact, Russia is also preparing to expand energy cooperation with India. The Russian cabinet has approved signing a memorandum during President Putin’s India visit to enhance civilian nuclear energy cooperation. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev will present detailed proposals in New Delhi on small modular reactor projects and the localisation of advanced Russian reactors. Rosatom is already constructing nuclear reactors at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.
India has already signed similar logistics agreements with the United States, France, Australia, and Japan. With Russia now joining this framework, India’s strategic reach will expand even further. The timing of these approvals, just before President Putin’s arrival in New Delhi, signals growing strategic trust and a new momentum in defence production cooperation between the two nations.