File photo: PM Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin (Picture credit: PTI)
NEW DELHI: Russia’s State Duma has formally approved a major military logistics pact with India just days before President Vladimir Putin lands in New Delhi for his December 4–5 state visit. The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS), which was signed on February 18, was tabled for ratification last week by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said the move underlined the strength of the two countries’ partnership. He described the India–Russia relationship as “strategic and comprehensive” and said the pact’s ratification was another step towards deeper cooperation.According to details posted on the Duma’s website, the agreement will allow military aircraft, ships and other formations from both sides to use each other’s facilities for a range of activities, including joint exercises, training programmes, humanitarian operations and disaster-relief missions. These arrangements will apply wherever both governments agree to conduct operations, as per the news agency PTI. Putin’s visit includes the 23rd annual bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where defence and trade deliverables are expected to feature prominently. Russian documents describe RELOS as a framework to simplify coordination during joint drills and emergency operations, with earlier Russian reports suggesting that it could also support activities in difficult regions such as the Arctic.Ahead of the visit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said talks may include a possible additional S-400 missile system and discussions on the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet. He said the Su-57 is “the best plane in the world”, and noted Moscow’s readiness to broaden defence-technology ties, including through projects like BrahMos, reported news agency ANI.Russia has also signalled interest in strengthening civil-nuclear collaboration. Peskov said Moscow is prepared to offer India compact reactor technology and continues to support cooperation on projects like Kudankulam.
What is RELOS?
RELOS (Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support) is a military logistics-sharing pact between India and Russia. It covers:
- Access to facilities: Allows Russian military aircraft, vessels and personnel to use Indian bases and infrastructure — and enables Indian forces to do the same in Russia.
- Support during operations: Provides logistics support for joint exercises, training missions, humanitarian work and disaster relief.
- Mutual use of airspace and ports: Authorises both sides to use each other’s airspace and ports, including warship visits, according to the Duma’s explanatory note.
- Operational flexibility: Applies to any location where India and Russia agree to conduct operations together.
- Efficiency in coordination: Intended to streamline cooperation during joint activities and emergency situations, enhancing military-to-military engagement.