Now Reading: India-Russia logistics deal operationalised, no troop stationing
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India-Russia logistics deal operationalised, no troop stationing
The India-Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) was operationalised in January after President Vladimir Putin signed the ratification law on December 15, 2025. The agreement, signed in Moscow on February 18,…
The India-Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) was operationalised in January after President Vladimir Putin signed the ratification law on December 15, 2025. The agreement, signed in Moscow on February 18, 2025, defines procedures for military formations, port calls, and use of airspace and airfield facilities by military aircraft of both countries.
Social media claims that the deal allows stationing of 3,000 troops on each other's soil are incorrect. The 3,000 figure is a broad upper limit for contingents during joint exercises, training, or humanitarian missions. India has signed similar logistics support agreements with nine countries including the US, UK, France, Japan, and Australia since 2016, none of which establish bases or basing arrangements.
The agreement covers supplies, repair, fuel, medical support, and reciprocal access to military facilities for mutually agreed engagements. It simplifies administrative procedures and enables faster turnaround for ships and aircraft during deployments such as anti-piracy patrols.
Indian Opinion Analysis
India has signed nine such logistics agreements since 2016, all following the same template as the first one with the US. None provide for permanent basing, a point the defence ministry clarified in Parliament for LEMOA in 2017. The practical benefit is operational reach: Indian Navy ships on anti-piracy patrols refuel and resupply at foreign ports without returning home, and in 2020 India used the US pact to procure high-altitude clothing during the eastern Ladakh standoff. The Russia deal adds the Indian Navy's largest partner for exercises and spares, but changes nothing on basing or alliance commitments. The next test will be the first joint naval exercise where both sides draw on the agreement for port and repair services.
The agreement was signed in Moscow on February 18, 2025, and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the federal law ratifying it on December 15, 2025.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
