Last Updated:December 03, 2025, 07:32 IST

Russia has ratified the RELOS military logistics pact with India, streamlining mutual support for troop movements, equipment and military platforms.

Russia’s State Duma, the country’s lower house of parliament, on Tuesday approved a crucial military logistics agreement with India, marking a significant step forward in defence cooperation between the two nations just days ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to New Delhi on December 4.

The agreement, known as the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) pact, was originally signed on February 18 between the governments of India and Russia.

It was forwarded to the lower house for ratification last week by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, completing one of the final procedural steps required for it to come into force.

During the plenary session at which the document was adopted, Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin emphasised the importance Moscow places on its long-standing partnership with New Delhi.

“Our relations with India are strategic and comprehensive, and we value them. We understand that today’s ratification of the agreement is another step toward reciprocity and, of course, the development of our relations,” Volodin stated while addressing lawmakers.

The RELOS framework establishes a clear mechanism for both countries to support each other’s military assets, personnel, ships and aircraft when operating within each other’s territory.

It standardises procedures for the deployment of troops, the movement of equipment, and the provision of logistical assistance, creating a structured system for military cooperation that has previously operated on a case-by-case basis.

According to the document and the accompanying explanatory note published on the Duma’s official website, the pact will guide cooperation not only during routine operations but also in a broad range of missions.

These include bilateral and multilateral military exercises, training engagements, humanitarian relief operations, and disaster response efforts involving natural or man-made calamities.

The two sides may also activate the agreement in additional scenarios mutually agreed upon in the future.

The Russian Cabinet highlighted that ratifying the agreement will ease several operational constraints faced by the two militaries, especially concerning transit and access.

It noted that the pact would facilitate mutual use of airspace and allow port calls by warships from both nations, providing a predictable and formalised channel for such operations.

The Cabinet further underlined that the RELOS treaty is expected to deepen defence coordination by making logistical cooperation more efficient and structured.

In its published note, it stated that the agreement would help strengthen military ties between the two countries through more seamless operational interaction and reciprocal support under a unified procedure.

With the ratification now complete, the agreement stands as a reinforcement of the defence partnership between India and Russia, setting the stage for expanded collaboration under an established logistical framework.

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Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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