Russia, India deepen ties before Putin’s warm visit
Before Putin’s visit, Russia approved a key logistics pact with India, boosting future military cooperation and deepening trust.
Russia Clears RELOS Pact With India Ahead of Putin’s Visit: What the Agreement Means for Both Nations
As New Delhi prepares to welcome President Vladimir Putin on 4 December for a closely watched state visit, Moscow has completed a major legislative step that underscores the steady strengthening of India–Russia relations. On 2 December, the State Duma — the lower house of the Russian parliament — ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement, a pact that has quietly but steadily evolved into one of the most important frameworks for military cooperation between the two long-standing strategic partners.
The timing of the approval is significant. Putin’s visit comes at a moment of fluid geopolitical realignments, contested global supply chains, and growing military collaborations in the Indo-Pacific. Against this backdrop, the ratification of RELOS signals Moscow’s intention to preserve and deepen its defence partnership with India, even as both countries diversify their international engagements.
Announcing the ratification during the Duma session, Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin emphasised the importance Moscow attaches to New Delhi. His statement, measured yet warm, reflects the tradition of diplomatic reassurance both sides have maintained amid changing geopolitical currents.
What Exactly Is the RELOS Agreement?
The RELOS pact, signed on 18 February, is a structured framework that allows the military forces of India and Russia to access each other’s bases, ports and logistics facilities for a wide range of activities. While the concept is not new — India already has similar arrangements with countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia, France, and Singapore — the Indo-Russian version carries its own unique strategic weight.
At its core, RELOS lays down procedures for the deployment of Russian military formations, aircraft and warships into Indian territory, and, reciprocally, the entry of Indian forces and platforms into Russian facilities. These deployments could be for joint exercises, port calls, bilateral or multilateral training, humanitarian missions, or disaster relief operations. The agreement enables both sides to access refuelling, repair, maintenance, resupply, and berthing services without having to negotiate permissions each time an activity is planned.
Russian and Indian warships.” This is particularly important because logistics agreements often determine how far and how effectively a nation can project its military presence beyond its borders. For India, access to Russian ports — especially those in the Arctic region and the Russian Far East — could translate into valuable strategic reach. For Russia, easier access to Indian naval facilities in the Indian Ocean enhances its ability to operate in warm waters and participate in joint or multilateral missions more seamlessly.
Why the Agreement Matters Now
India and Russia have a long history of defence cooperation spanning decades, particularly in the areas of defence procurement, joint production and military training. Yet, the nature of warfare and international alignments is changing quickly. Modern military logistics — including base access, supply chains and operational mobility — now plays a more decisive role than ever before.
RELOS fits neatly into this shifting landscape. By allowing both countries to depend on each other for logistical support, the pact removes layers of bureaucratic delays and accelerates operational readiness. The agreement also sends a clear diplomatic signal: despite pressures from other major powers and a dramatically altered global strategic environment, India–Russia military ties remain resilient and adaptable.
Putin’s visit is expected to cover discussions on defence, energy, trade, and regional issues. But even before those conversations begin, the ratification of RELOS has already set the tone — one of continuity, trust and mutual strategic reassurance.
In essence, RELOS may not be a headline-grabbing defence treaty, but it quietly strengthens the backbone of India–Russia military collaboration. At a moment when the world is witnessing rapid geopolitical shifts, the pact is a reminder that some partnerships remain anchored in history, shared interests and long-term strategic thinking.