# Syria, Russia reach deal to convert two bases into joint centres 2026-08-09T15:51:51+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Syria said on Sunday that it reached a deal with Moscow on the fate of its two Russian bases. The Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base will be turned into "joint training and capacity-building centres" under a memorandum of understanding, Syria's SANA news agency reported. The agreement sets a time limit of no more than three months to complete the process. Civilian facilities at both bases will be handed over to Damascus in the meantime. Russia was a key ally of ousted president Bashar al-Assad during Syria's 13-year conflict. His overthrow in 2024 weakened Moscow's regional influence. President Vladimir Putin has courted the new Islamist authorities in Damascus to secure the bases' future. Syria continues to demand the extradition of Assad, who remains in Moscow. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani inspected the sites on Sunday. ## Coverage - newindianexpress.com - ndtv.com - thehindu.com Tags: Assad extradition, Hmeimim, military bases, Russia, Syria, Tartus Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/syria-moscow-strike-deal-on-two-russian-bases/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/syria-moscow-strike-deal-on-two-russian-bases/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.