What is the India–Russia RELOS pact and why does it matter?

The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement is a bilateral defence pact between India and Russia that allows their armed forces to use each other's military bases, ports and airfields in both peacetime and conflict.

Negotiated over eight years and ratified by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December, the agreement became operational on 12 January and will remain in force for five years, with provisions for extension, says Al Jazeera.

"The purpose of the Agreement is to define the procedure for the deployment of military formations, port calls by warships, and the use of airspace and airfield infrastructure by military aircraft of the Parties," the Kremlin said.

What does the agreement cover?

RELOS establishes a framework for logistical cooperation between the two militaries, marking a notable development in their long-standing defence relationship.

Under the agreement:

• Personnel and hardware: Each country may station up to 3,000 troops, along with five warships and 10 military aircraft, on the other's territory.
• Technical services: The pact allows for refuelling, repairs and maintenance, which could simplify support for Russian-origin equipment that forms a large part of India's arsenal.
• Infrastructure support: Naval access includes port facilities and basic supplies such as food and water, while air operations are supported by air traffic control, navigation assistance and aircraft security.
• Joint operations: The framework enables cross-training as well as cooperation on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.

"It gives the sides unrestricted access to the partner's infrastructure and provides for reciprocal limited military presence on each other's territory," said Andrey Kortunov. He added that the agreement "enhances power projection and military outreach capabilities for the two sides."

The pact marks a historic shift for India, as it is the first time the country has allowed a foreign military to temporarily station personnel on its soil.

Why is it significant for Russia?

For Moscow, analysts say RELOS helps address logistical constraints at a time of Western sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine.

"For Moscow, RELOS is less of a wartime alliance than a sanctions-era sort of mobility pact," said Amitabh Singh.

Russia has not traditionally maintained military infrastructure in the Indian Ocean region. Kortunov said: "This pact helps Moscow to gain such capabilities in the Indian Ocean."

Singh said the agreement expands Russia's operational reach. "The strategic value for Moscow is having this operational range now, where Russian ships and aircraft can stay deployed longer in the Indian Ocean region, and even nearby sea lanes."

He added: "The agreement also helps Russia signal that it still has meaningful partnerships in Asia," and described RELOS as giving Moscow a "low-cost logistics bridge into the Indian Ocean and extends its naval endurance, increasing its strategic leverage."

Why is it significant for India?

For New Delhi, RELOS reflects a shift in its defence relationship with Russia.

The agreement "marks a move from an equipment-centric defence supply relationship to one that also enables operational logistics cooperation," said Ajai Malhotra.

"It adds a functional layer of interoperability that India did not previously have with Russia, thus bringing the bilateral relationship closer," he said.

India gains access to Russian facilities in the Arctic and Far East, including maritime routes linking Vladivostok to Murmansk.

"This builds and strengthens India's access from the Pacific to the Arctic. As an important player with stakes in the Indo-Pacific, this comes as a shot in the arm for India," said Praveen Donthi.

Malhotra said the pact also "diversifies risk by allowing India logistics access outside Western-controlled networks and it institutionalises such access in a modest yet concrete way."

How does it fit into the broader geopolitical context?

The agreement comes as India balances ties with competing global powers under what it calls a "multi-alignment" strategy.

New Delhi has faced pressure from the United States, including trade tariffs and criticism from President Donald Trump, over its continued engagement with Russia.

Analysts say the pact signals continuity in India's relationship with Moscow. Malhotra described the strategic message as one of "continuity and depth as regards a trusted legacy partnership."

Singh said India is also sending a broader signal: "India is posturing that we are not disengaging by not buying more military hardware... but we are proactively engaging you in strategic affairs."