Politics

Putin’s India visit gains momentum as Russia ratifies key military logistics framework

In a key defence move, Russia’s State Duma approves the India-Russia RELOS logistics support pact, paving the way for joint exercises, naval port calls, and airspace cooperation before Putin’s New Delhi visit

PGurus Newsdesk

December 3, 2025

India-Russia logistics agreement passes State Duma scrutiny, strengthens defence cooperation

India-Russia defence ties deepen as Moscow ratifies major logistics support pact

Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, on Tuesday approved the ratification of a significant military cooperation pact with India ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to New Delhi on December 4–5.

The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement, signed on February 18 between the two governments, was submitted to the State Duma last week for ratification by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Speaker of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, underscored the importance of the relationship during a plenary session of the house.
“Our relations with India are strategic and comprehensive, and we value them. Ratification of the agreement today is another step toward reciprocity and the development of our relations,” he said.

The RELOS agreement outlines protocols for the deployment of Russian and Indian military assets—including troops, warships, and military aircraft—between both countries, along with the framework for reciprocal logistical assistance.

The pact is designed to regulate not only the movement of military formations and equipment, but also their logistics support. The established procedures will apply during joint military exercises, training programmes, humanitarian aid missions, disaster relief operations following natural or man-made emergencies, and other situations mutually agreed upon by both nations.

According to a statement published on the State Duma’s official website, the Russian Cabinet of Ministers noted that ratification of the agreement would enable smoother reciprocal use of airspace and port calls by Russian and Indian naval vessels.

Additionally, it stated that the pact is expected to deepen defence collaboration and reinforce military cooperation between Russia and India.

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