Russia approves key military pact ahead of Putin’s India visit
Russia has formally approved a landmark defense logistics pact with India just days before President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi for a high-level bilateral summit.
The Russian State Duma approved the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement on December 2, completing the final legislative step on Russia’s side. Initially signed on February 18 this year, the pact is set to significantly expand military interoperability between the two long-standing strategic partners.
Under RELOS, the armed forces of both nations will gain access to each other’s military facilities,including airbases, naval ports, and logistical hubs. This access will streamline the movement of troops, warships, and aircraft during joint exercises, humanitarian assistance missions, disaster relief operations, and training activities. The agreement also allows both sides, under established protocols, to use each other’s airspace and ports for military purposes.
President Putin is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to co-chair the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. The visit, his first to India since 2022, is expected to focus on defense cooperation, energy trade (particularly crude oil), and the expansion of broader economic ties.
During the ratification session, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin emphasized the significance of the agreement. “Russia regards India as a comprehensive and trusted partner,” he said. “This pact will deepen our defense collaboration and further enhance mutual understanding.”
The move also aligns Russia with India’s existing logistical agreements with key partners including the United States (LEMOA), France (LFAC), and Australia, strengthening New Delhi’s ability to operate seamlessly with major global militaries.
Ahead of Putin’s visit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that future progress in bilateral cooperation will depend on mutual readiness. “The extent of our cooperation depends on how far India is prepared to go,” he said, signaling Moscow’s openness to deeper engagement.
With Russia’s ratification now complete, and India having finished its internal approvals earlier this year, the RELOS agreement is expected to be formally activated during or shortly after the summit, marking a significant new chapter in Indo-Russian strategic relations.
Source: BBC Bangla