New Delhi: In a significant development aimed at deepening defence cooperation, India and Russia have signed the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement, marking a new phase in their longstanding strategic partnership.
The agreement is designed to enhance interoperability and logistical coordination between the armed forces of both countries during joint exercises, training missions, humanitarian assistance operations, and other coordinated deployments. It enables reciprocal access to each other’s military facilities for refuelling, maintenance, supplies, and operational support when required.
Under the framework, both sides will be able to utilise designated military bases and logistics infrastructure in each other’s territories on a case-by-case basis, significantly improving operational reach and flexibility. The arrangement is expected to support naval deployments, air operations, and land-based exercises, strengthening defence preparedness and responsiveness. According to media reports three thousand troops, Warshops, and Fighter Jets may be deployed in each other countries base .
While specific operational details will be governed by mutual consent and existing protocols, the agreement is seen as a step that could expand the scope of bilateral military cooperation, including enhanced coordination in remote and strategically important regions.
Officials noted that the RELOS pact reflects the growing trust and strategic convergence between India and Russia, particularly in the areas of defence logistics, training cooperation, and joint operational readiness.
The agreement is expected to facilitate smoother movement of military assets during exercises and improve logistical efficiency, thereby reinforcing the long-standing defence relationship between the two countries within an evolving global security environment.