- By Shubham Bajpai
- Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:59 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a significant development, the Indo-Russian Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), signed in February 2025, has become operational. The pact signed in Moscow allows the countries to station five battleships, ten fighter jets and 3,000 soldiers on each other's territory during war and peace.
According to the Russian news agency Sputnik, the pact will remain in effect for 5 years and can be extended further. The agreement is intended to boost military cooperation and to provide logistical support to each other in otherwise hard-to-access regions.
With this agreement, New Delhi will get access to the Arctic region, a fast-developing, vast maritime hotspot. Access to the region is crucial, as Russia and China have already started increasing their presence in the region. As part of the pact, India will not get access to the ports in Murmansk and Severomorsk in Russia.
After Russian Parliament ratified it, first deputy chairman of International Affairs Committee Vyacheslav Nikonov recently confirmed to State Duma, "The Indo-Russian Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) will allow ‘five warships, ten aircraft and three thousand troops to be simultaneously stationed in the territory of the partner country for a period of five years, and if both parties agree, it can be extended for another five years.”
ALSO READ: Relief For India: US Extends Russia Oil Waiver Till May 16 As Hormuz Blockade Disrupts Gulf Supply
Similarly, Russia will get access to the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and will easily get logistical support and cooperation, like refuelling, spare parts, repairs and supplies.
The war and peace operationalisation of the agreement would save money and time for the two nations.
It is worth noting that Russia is not the first country to have signed such an agreement with India. Russia's arch-rival, the United States, has already signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with India. LEMOA was signed in August 2016.
ALSO READ: US To Not Extend Sanctions Waiver For Russian And Iranian Oil: What This Means For India
Although these pacts provide reciprocity, they differ in implementation. LEMOA does not provision stationing of troops like RELOS.
Moreover, RELOS allows the exchange of goods, cost reimbursement, and bartering of payment.